Laois County Council

Author: laois community

  • Big Crowds attend inaugural Live Well Expo evening

     

    Age Friendly Laois collaborated with Healthy Laois in putting together the 1st ever Living Well Expo of its kind in the county , which took place in Portlaoise College on  thursday 13th April from 4pm to 8pm.

    The event brought together various community & Health & Age friendly support groups, agencies , information providers and more and to create an event where attendees could be informed about what is available in Co. Laois  in an engaging and fun way.

    The Ukranian choir entertained  on arrival opened by who put on a beautiful performance – their  rendition of “Mo Ghile Mear” was stunning.

    This was followed by an address by Cathaoirleach Cllr Thomasina Connell to the attendees. Laois’ Age Friendly Ambassador, Mrs Anna May McHugh, then officially  opened the event.

    The main stage featured talks by Ms Louise Edmonds of Age Friendly Ireland on the topic of assistive technology, a crime prevention presentation by Sgt Graham Kavanagh and a talk by Women’s Shed founder Ms Carmel Cashin. Operation Transformation Leader, Stephanie Bowden was delighted with the opportunity to return to Laois, to give a talk about her own fitness journey and she had a very interesting and busy Q & A session afterwards.

    The HSE provided free health screening and they completed 97 screenings on the day,

    Healthy Cooking demos were also a popular part of the event and Ms Janice O Brien of LOETB showed us all how to cook a healthy stir fry.

    The Living Well expo also featured a debut performance by the Coalition Chefs , with Councillors John King and Paddy Bracken providing a very entertaining cookery demonstration , which was narrated throughout by Ms Anne Marie Kelly. Councillor Bracken recruited the help of Operation Transformation leaders Stephanie and Andrea, to create a beautiful  & healthy vegetable soup. Councillor John King was on  the main course section and he showed an eager audience how to bone and roll a chicken from scratch . Both chefs, of course had “one we prepared earlier” and the attendees were treated to samples of both the soup and the boned  & rolled chicken.

    On the day, we had an estimated 1000 attendees, with a steady stream of people arriving from before the event. The feedback from the event was very positive, and people stated that it was great to be made aware of and meet the many supports available in one location  in the county. Exhibitors indicated that they were very busy on the day and that networking  opportunities & connections were created with fellow exhibitors , with individuals and with community groups.

    All said they looked forward to the next Living Well Expo- so watch this space!!!!!!!!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • CLÁR Programme 2023

    CLÁR Programme 2023

    CLÁR (Ceantair Laga Árd-Riachtanais) is a targeted investment programme for rural areas that aims to provide funding for small infrastructural projects in rural areas that have experienced significant levels of de-population. The funding works in conjunction with local/Agency and other Departmental funding programmes and on the basis of locally identified priorities.

    https://www.gov.ie/en/news/b0e7c-clar-2023-8-million-new-funding-for-community-and-sports-facilities/

     

    CLÁR Programme for 2023

     

    The 2023 CLÁR programme will be delivered through three separate Measures as follows:

    Measure 1:                 Developing Community Facilities & Amenities

    Measure 2:                 Mobility, Cancer Care and Community First Responders Transport

    Measure 3:                ‘Our Islands’

     

    For further details click on the link below:

    CLÁR Funding 2023 (Open) – Laois County Council

     

  • Borris in Ossory Courthouse Proposals

    Borris in Ossory Courthouse Proposals

    Laois County Council are in the process of adapting the former courthouse building and site in Borris-In-Ossory, to form a new digital hub. An architect-led design team was appointed by the council in 2022, and as part of the design process, a consultation will be held on the evening of Wednesday 29th March 2023 at 7pm in the Old Boy’s School on the Main Street of Borris-In-Ossory. Initial design proposals will be on display and members of the county council and design team will be in attendance to discuss the proposals with members of the local community.
    To see the proposals, click here
    If you cannot attend on the evening, we welcome any comments on the proposals – please complete the following form
    and email it to info@hhcarchitecture.ie
  • Live Well 4th April 2024

    Live Well 4th April 2024

    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 health 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, with

    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):
    • Over 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):
  • Community Recognition Fund

    Community Recognition Fund

     

     

     

     

    Community Recognition Fund

     

    On 24th January 2023, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys and Minister of State Joe O’Brien, announced details of a €50 million Community Recognition Fund.  The allocation for Co. Laois is €1,014,607.  This major initiative, the first of its kind, is designed to specifically support communities across the country that have welcomed and are hosting families and citizens from Ukraine and other countries.

     

    The scheme details set out that only areas which have high levels of new arrivals will be deemed eligible for this scheme.  In Laois, areas with the highest number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries are: Rathdowney, Durrow, Abbeyleix, Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Clonaslee, Ballylinan, Portarlington and Emo area.

     

    Laois County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for project proposals from community groups in the areas listed above/ areas where there are large numbers of new arrivals.  The possible types of projects that can be funded under the scheme include:

    • The refurbishment of local sports clubs and facilities
    • The upgrade of community facilities such as play areas, walkways, parks and community gardens
    • The purchase of equipment to benefit local clubs, festivals, music and arts organisations
    • The enhancement of school or parish facilities that are open to the wider community after hours or on weekends
    • Transport infrastructure such as community vehicles and bus shelters
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    Proposed project details within the identified areas should be submitted to soconnor@laoiscoco.ie by 4:00pm Friday 24th February 2023 using the EOI application form  Click Here to download EOI

    Laois County Council will host an Information Session to inform communities about this fund.

     

    Community Recognition Fund Information Session

     

    DATE:  Thursday 9th February at 7.00pm.

     

    LOCATION: Dunamaise Arts Centre , Church Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

     

    TIME: 7.00pm

     

     

    If you plan to attend, please register your attendance here by clicking on this link

     

     

     

  • Age Friendly Newsletter 27th January

    Age Friendly Newsletter 27th January

    Click  here for Age Friendly newsletter 27th January 2023

  • Operation Transformation Goes to Ratheniska,

    Operation Transformation Goes to Ratheniska,

    Operation Transformation at Ratheniska GAA this Friday 27th January 2023 at 7.00 P.M

    Filming of the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge moves to a different town each week. The first Ad Break challenge took place on the 29th December, in Stradbally Village was led by Operation Transformation expert, Karl Henry  and featured Stradbally native, Ann Simpson. Since then enormous crowds have joined in the activities at Vicarstown, Portlaoise, Kilcavan and support has been phenomenal.

    This week the action moves to Ratheniska GAA this Friday 27th January 2023 at 7.00 P.M

    See you there!!!!!!!!

  • Excitement builds in Ballinakill for Pride of Place Awards Ceremony – Saturday 21st January 2023- Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge

    Excitement builds in Ballinakill for Pride of Place Awards Ceremony – Saturday 21st January 2023- Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ireland’s largest Community Awards will be hosted by Dublin City Council, tomorrow night, Saturday, 21st January with hundreds of delegates expected to travel from across the four provinces to the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge.

    In its 20th year, the Pride of Place awards is an annual competition, organised by peacebuilding charity Co- operation Ireland and is sponsored by IPB Insurance.

    The Awards will be livestreamed from The Clayton Hotel  at 7pm on Saturday the 21st of January for supporters wishing to view the awards online. For the supporters watching from home, the event will be livestreamed at this link: https://prideofplace.ie/ – click on the button that states ‘watch live’. The viewing button will not be active until 7pm on Saturday the 21st.

     

    Established to promote and celebrate the best in community development , the awards recognise the selfless efforts of people in making their local neighbourhoods better places to live, work and socialise.

    The aim of the Pride of Place competition is to recognise initiatives taken by local communities to create pride in their area and to celebrate the vital contribution that community groups make to society and focuses on people coming together to shape, enhance and enjoy all that is good about their area.

    Pride of Place is an ideal platform to recognise the huge efforts being made in communities around the country and to thank people for their efforts. The spirit of collaboration and camaraderie represented by the various initiatives is inspiring and is an excellent example of how communities can work together to make a real and practical difference to society.The competition is about showing respect and inclusion for every sector in our communities, young, old, rich, or poor and creating communities to which the people are proud to say they belong. It is also about communities demonstrating pride in their heritage, culture, achievements, people, and place.

    Pride of Place is an All-island competition, whereby local authorities from across the island of Ireland nominate groups in their communities , who they believe have made a signification contribution to improving their neighbourhood, working collectively  and for the Pride of Place 2022 competition, Laois was represented by Ballinakill entering the category for a Population 300 to 1000 citizens.

    Ballinakill  showcased its community champions superbly on Friday 16th September, 2022,  greeting the judges in the IPB All Island Pride of Place Competition 2022.

    There was no mistaking the pride of local people, when they displayed for the judges, all that they have and continue to do, to make Ballinakill a better place to live, work and visit.

    It is situated on the R433 close to the Laois-Kilkenny border. It has a rich heritage and a great natural beauty. Its unique ‘Toll Trees’, Market Square, 1798 Monument, Ballinakill Castle and Heywood Estate & Gardens are some of the landmarks which frame its history and tell its story.

    Its natural beauty is a backdrop for a number of outdoor activities- heritage walks, cycle routes & fishing or a simple stroll through the woods to enjoy the peace & tranquillity it offers.

    It has a variety of voluntary clubs – GAA, Tidy Towns and recently formed Ballinakill Community Development Association CLG among them.The local hall is home to cookery, guitar & fitness schools, an Active retirement group, bingo & cards. It has a squash club, outdoor swimming pool & a playground.

    It  is a vibrant, growing community whose members are committed to maximising its beauty, history, facilities and the talents of its people for the benefit of all.

    Community participation and innovation is at the forefront of everything they do in Ballinakill  and it is these qualities, which will ensure that the needs of the community will be met in the years ahead.

    The Awards Ceremony is the pinnacle of the annual competition and we wish the Community of Ballinakill all the very best of luck tomorrow night.

     

  • Operation Transformation 2023

    Operation Transformation 2023

    Operation Transformation

    The new series of Operation Transformation appeared on our TV screens on Wednesday 4th January 2023 following much behind the scenes engagement with SVT Activity and Wellness Hub, Healthy Laois and the Sports and Leisure Department in Laois County Council, The Leaders, including Andrea Daly from Portlaoise will host the event over the course of eight weeks, in the Malt House in Stradbally.

    The Ad Break Challenge will move to a different town each week. The first Ad Break challenge took place on the 29th December, in Stradbally Village was led by Operation Transformation expert, Karl Henry  and featured Stradbally native, Ann Simpson.

    Laois County Council’s Healthy Laois Co-ordinator Emma O’Connor said: “Having the show broadcast from Laois will play a significant role in helping us deliver our goal of promoting a society where everyone can enjoy physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society. We hope the people of Laois will tune in and join the participants in commencing their journey to enjoying greater physical and mental wellbeing.”

    Pictured at Court Square , Stradbally for the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge, were: Heidi, Brooke, Ben , Martina and Cody Lynch and Pamela O’Shea.
    Pictured at Court Square , Stradbally for the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge, were: Ann Simpson ( Ad Break Hero ) and Karl Henry ( O.T. Fitness expert ) leading the exercises.
    Pictured at Court Square , Stradbally for the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge, were: Karl Henry ( O.T. Fitness expert ) leading the exercises.
    Pictured at Court Square , Stradbally for the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge, were: Marie Kinsella, Jill Sheehan, Katie Mc Grath, Sarah and Valerie Sheehan, Eddie Kitchin Carol Sheehan.
    Pictured at Court Square , Stradbally for the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge, were: Karl Henry ( O.T. Fitness expert ) with young participants.
    Pictured at Court Square , Stradbally for the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge, were: Karl Henry ( O.T. Fitness expert ) with Laois Co. Council officials – Tom Curran, Anne Marie Kirrane, Ann Marie Delaney and Emma O’Connor and Kathleen Sheridan ( SVT ).
    Pictured at Court Square , Stradbally for the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge, were: Marie Nestor with Harry and Ellan Brady.
    Pictured at Court Square , Stradbally for the Operation Transformation Ad Break Challenge, were: Ella O’Riordan, Sarah, Emer and Edel Ramsbottom and Darragh O’Riordan.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This week, on Friday 6th January at 7.00pm, participants will be welcomed to the scenic setting of Vicarstown where Annanough GAA will host the Ad Break Challenge. Operation Transformation will air every Wednesday from January 4th for eight weeks at 21:35 on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player.

  • Healthy Laois Workshop -24th November 2022

    Healthy Laois Workshop -24th November 2022

     

    On Thursday, the 24th November, the Healthy Laois Unit of Laois County Council, led by Ms Emma O’Connor, Healthy Laois County Co-ordinator, held a Consultation Workshop in the LOETB Centre of Excellence, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise. The workshop brought together a broad cross section of Laois Community Groups and agencies, in addition to Service Users, to help inform the new Healthy Laois 2023- 2025 Strategy.

     

    The Healthy Ireland Programme is based on the premise, that health and wellbeing is affected by all aspects of a person’s life, including education, socio-economic status and physical environment. Healthy Laois  is working to ensure an increase in  the proportion of people who are healthy at all stages of life, to reduce health inequalities and to create an environment, where every individual and sector of society, can play their part in achieving a healthier  Laois for its citizens.

    Speaking at the event, An Cathaoirleach Thomasina Connell, outlined how recent health studies have shown the need for preventative action to begin now, if we are to meaningfully address areas of concern such as physical activity, mental health, healthy activity, sexual health and substance abuse.

    Healthy Ireland Laois embraces and recognises national policies and plans, and recognises the need to integrate and to implement them, at local level, and they are embedded into the county’s Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP), which is now also currently under review.

    Siobhan Hourigan, Health Promotion Officer for the HSE, spoke about  how existing Healthy Laois Programmes, such as the “We’re Breastfeeding Friendly Campaign” and the “Not Around Us”, Tobacco Free Campaign, demonstrated the value of interagency collaboration in creating meaningful initiatives, that can be actioned and serve to inform the new  Healthy Laois Strategy for  2023-2025.
    A series of round table consultations and feedback sessions ensued which were facilitated by Storm Powell and Jim O’Brien. These produced very good information and provided insight into the issues affecting the citizens of county Laois, with key actions and outcomes identified.

    The workshop offered an opportunity for meaningful collaboration with groups and organisations and will ensure the Healthy Laois Plan can achieve the greatest impact possible on the health and wellbeing of all in Laois into the future.
    If you wish to find out more about Healthy laois initiatives, please contact Emma O’Connor at eoconnor @laoiscoco.ie or please see https://laois.ie/departments/healthy-laois/

     

  • Laois Age Friendly & HSE event

    Laois Age Friendly & HSE event

    Laois Age Friendly are holding a social event in the Parish Centre , Portlaoise on Tuesday the 6th of December.The HSE will be joining us  as they are designing a booklet and are seeking a focus group to complete a poll to inform them.

    This poll should take approximately 1 hour, and we will follow this up with some card & board games, refreshments and possibly more….numbers are limited so if you are interested, please pre book with Tom Curran, Age Friendly Laois, as soon as possible.

    Tom Curran 086 0363426  tcurran@laoiscoco.ie

    We will have scrabble, chess & draughts, Connect 4 and card games. We will have some music in the background  so get your requests in!!!

     

     

     

  • Age Friendly Laois launch I.C.E. card initiative

    Age Friendly Laois launch I.C.E. card initiative

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    Age Friendly Laois launch I.C.E. card initiative
    Age Friendly Laois launched a new initiative on Tuesday the 22nd November 2022. It is the I.C.E.
    ( In Case of Emergency) card . Designed to be carried on the person, in a wallet or purse, the card was conceived as an aid to first responders, in identifying a person and having access to vital information. It is particularly important if a person is non-responsive.
    The card’s primary function is to provide valuable information to first responders such as:
    Name, Eircode, who to contact in case of an emergency, allergies, blood type and medication. These details are to be filled in by the holder of the card and kept on the person.
    The input of first responders ie the Gardai, the HSE, and the Fire service was sought as to what was the most important information to have in case of an emergency.
    The secondary function of the card is to contain some useful contact numbers, such as Emergency Services, ESB Networks and Gas Networks Ireland.
    The third function of the I.C.E. card is to direct users of the card to a Community Information App      “ LocalHub”. Age Friendly Laois have a feed within this App, in which information regarding events, crime prevention advice & articles of interest are shared. The App is divided  into various service categories/geographical  areas of Laois, for ease of use.
    Councillor Barry Walsh, on behalf of Cathaoirleach Councillor Thomasina Connell noted  the importance of having  this card and praised any initiative that could save precious time in the event of any emergency. He also saw the value in a Community information app for the county, as a way of getting localised information.
    At the launch , first responders had the following to say about the I.C.E. Card Initiative-
    Sergeant Graham Kavanagh, An Garda Síochána, said in supporting the initiative, that “in  all circumstances, Gardaí like all first Responders have a duty to preserve life and property. Unfortunately we all attend to situations where we find people gravely ill. Sometimes the individual is not able to communicate. The ICE card means that we have access to information to us as first responders and also to further services as required”.
    Mr Declan Power, Chief Fire Officer, Laois County Fire & Rescue Service complimented the initiative saying that “The ICE card , along with your Eircode, are the two most important pieces of information to have in the event of an emergency & you or your loved ones needing assistance.”
    Civil Defence Officer with Laois County Council, Mr Damien Dollard, welcomed the initiative and  said “When attending someone who requires medical assistance first responders and ambulance crews rely on a patient’s medical history such as medical conditions, allergies and a list of what medications someone is prescribed. Having this information easily to hand along with Eircode and who to contact in case of emergency will greatly assist first responders providing medical support to a patient. “
    The cards are available from Age Friendly Laois and are also being distributed through Laois County Council’s  Library Service , Laois Sports Partnership, Laois & Offaly Education & Training board, An Garda Síochána & Laois & Offaly Local Link, all of whom are members of the Laois Age Friendly Alliance.
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    For more information and  to request ICE cards  for your group or to find out more about Age Friendly Laois, contact Tom Curran on 05786 64150/ 086 0363426 or tcurran@laoiscoco.ie
    More information on Age Friendly Laois is available on our website..https://laois.ie/departments/community/promoting-social-inclusion/#2
    To download the Local Hub  app scan this QR code , visit https://localhubireland.ie/ .  Find Age Friendly Laois information on the app and for live notifications, hit subscribe!