LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL
The Water Quality Environmental Team
will hold a public information evening on the upcoming Fushoge Catchment Farm Inspections.
Date: Thursday 17th October 2024.
Time: – 8.30 p.m.
Venue: Community Centre, Killeshin.
All are welcome.
Section 146B of Planning & Development Act 2000 lodged 13/09/2024
Located in the Townland of Coolnabacky, Co Laois
Laois County Council
Description
Alteration Request in Accordance with Section 146B regarding Permitted Development PL11.VA0015 Laois-Kilkenny Reinforcement Project, 400kV/110kV Gas Insulated Substation.
Case type
Amendment of decision on private Development
Decision
Case is due to be decided by 07/11/2024
This Amendment may be viewed online at: https://www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/case/320832
Laois Climate Action Festival Unveils 50 Free Events to Inspire a Sustainable Future
Laois County Council announces the Laois Climate Action Festival, showcasing 50 climate-positive events and initiatives across the county.
Laois County Council is proud to introduce the first-ever Laois Climate Action Festival, taking place from the 6th to 23rd October 2024. Featuring 50 diverse events across the county, the festival aims to inspire climate action, spotlight sustainability, and showcase the incredible work of local partners. Curated by the newly formed Climate Action Section of Laois County Council, the programme highlights an array of climate-positive initiatives designed to engage the entire community in the effort to create a greener future and the best part is that all events are free to attend.
The festival officially launched with a photocall that featured upcycled robots, created by Bernard Brady of the Portarlington Art Collective. These robots, made entirely from repurposed materials, encapsulate the festival’s central message of reducing waste through creativity. The robots are a powerful symbol of the innovative ways in which waste can be reimagined and reused.
Speaking about the festival, Suzanne Dempsey, Climate Action Coordinator for Laois County Council, said:
“The Laois Climate Action Festival is not only a platform to raise awareness but a celebration of the fantastic work being done in our community to promote sustainability. The programme has been carefully curated by our newly formed Climate Action Section to highlight local efforts and engage the public in creative and meaningful ways. We’re proud to showcase 50 events that offer something for everyone, encouraging a collective effort toward a more sustainable future.”
The festival’s extensive schedule includes a variety of workshops, seminars, and creative sessions, ranging from discussions on biodiversity and sustainability in schools, to upcycling projects and nature walks. Local organisations, including PPN, The Cube, Laois Libraries, Laois Partnership, and Laois Chamber Alliance, will host many of the events, providing educational opportunities and hands-on experiences for attendees. Standout events include the Climate Cocktail Club, the Laois premiere of Mrs. Robinson, and Colm O’Regan’s comedy gig “Climate Worrier”, combining entertainment with critical discussions on climate action.
Simon Walton, Interim Chief Executive of Laois County Council, stated:
“The Laois Climate Action Festival is a key initiative in our commitment to addressing climate change at a local level. It demonstrates the significant progress being made in fostering climate-positive projects and engaging the wider community. The newly established Climate Action Section has curated a comprehensive programme that not only raises awareness but actively involves our partners and the public in shaping a sustainable future. We are confident that this festival will have a lasting impact, encouraging meaningful action throughout the county.”
The Laois Climate Action Festival offers a diverse range of activities that cater to all interests and age groups, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to participate in climate-positive actions. Whether through interactive workshops, insightful discussions, or creative exhibitions, the festival provides a platform for learning, innovation, and community involvement.
For more information on the Laois Climate Action Festival and to book events, visit https://laois.ie/laois-climate-action-festival/.
Please be advised the Draft Portlaoise Local Area Plan 2024-2030 – Material Alterations Stage of Draft Portlaoise LAP 2024-2030 is now available for inspection on http://consult.laois.ie/
Submissions and observations can be made as follows:
Via the consultation portal(s): http://consult.laois.iethe following relevant address:
Laois County Council, Senior Planner, Áras an Chontae, JFL Avenue, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.
Theme: “We didn’t start the fire – but what did?!
30th September to 6th October 2024
National Fire Safety Week aims to enhance fire safety, particularly in the home.
In the new blended working world many of us are spending more time at home so it is more important than ever that we are all informed as to the steps we can take to protect ourselves and our homes from fire.
This year, for Fire Safety Week, our focus will be on preventing fires in the home by understanding their common causes and taking steps to stop them before they start. Once a fire starts, it can be relentless, so it’s crucial to do everything possible to prevent one.
People will be encouraged to increase their awareness of home fire safety by regularly doing routine Fire Safety Checks and following the STOP Fire steps to safeguard their homes.
Energy Awareness Week Kicks Off in Portlaoise, Empowering the Community Towards Sustainable Living
Energy Awareness Week was successfully launched on Tuesday evening at The Fort, Portlaoise, sparking enthusiasm throughout the community for sustainable energy practices. The event, hosted by Aisling O’Rourke, presenter of Midlands 103’s Let’s Go Green Show, featured interviews with leading industry experts including Liam Donohue from Retrokit, John Kelly, Director of the Mount Lucas Centre, LOETB, Laurence O’Reilly from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), and Claire Irwin, Quantity Surveyor from RTÉ’s Room to Improve.
The opening ceremony was led by Cathaoirleach Padraig Fleming, who emphasised the importance of the initiative. “Energy Awareness Week provides a unique opportunity for all community members to learn practical steps they can take to support these goals,” he said, underlining the collective action needed to achieve a sustainable future.
Pictured are Donal Brennan, Laois County Council D.O.S, Laurence O’Reilly, John Kelly, N.T.C, Aisling O’Rourke, Midlands 103, Padraig Fleming, Cathaoirleach Laois Co Co, Liam Donohue, Retro Kit, Lisa Doyle, Climate Action Officer Laois Co Co, Chire Irwin, Q.S Pamela Tynan Snr Executive Laois Co Co Photo Denis Byrneof sustainable practice. The food offering was powered by Wattsun batteries, charged via solar panels, further showcasing how renewable energy can be integrated into everyday life.
Donal Brennan, Director of Services at Laois County Council, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This launch marks the beginning of a week-long series of events aimed at raising awareness of energy efficiency and sustainability”. The people of Portlaoise have embraced the initiative with enthusiasm, participating in discussions, workshops, and other activities that will inspire lasting change. The NZEB and Retrokit Mobile Training Rig was stationed at the upper car park of the Laois Shopping Centre Monday to Friday.
About Energy Awareness Week
Energy Awareness Week is designed to engage the community in learning about energy efficiency and sustainability. Through a series of events, it offers practical advice, tools, and solutions to help both households and businesses reduce energy costs and lower carbon emissions. The week’s programme supports the development of sustainable practices that benefit both individuals and the wider community.
For more information, please contact:
Lisa Doyle, Climate Action Officer
086 203 3269| ldoyle@laoiscoco.ie |
The Laois Connects 2024 Health & Wellbeing Programme, led by Laois County Council will take place from the 7th October to the 13th of October 2024. Events are happening throughout the county and there should be something for everyone in the schedule of events.
The Laois Connects 2024 Programme is a collaboration between Laois County Council, Laois Sports Partnership, Laois PPN, HSE, Mental Health Ireland, Portlaoise Youth and Family Resource Centre, Mountmellick Community School, LOETB, Healthy Laois, Laois Libraries, Dunamaise Arts Centre, Laois Volunteer Centre and Youthwork Laois.
The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Councillor Padraig Fleming had the following message for the people of Laois;
“ The Laois Connects initiative is an important wellbeing initiative and this year’s focus on “Connecting ” is something we should all make an effort to do in order to connect with what improves your health and happiness. I encourage all ages to attend events during the programme and to prioritise your mental health and wellness now and in the future”.
Ms. Josephine Rigney, Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention with the HSE and a member of the Laois Connects Organisation Committee offers these words of advice and encouragement;
“Every one of us are faced with the challenges of life, no matter what age or at what point we are in life. Having a good and positive sense of emotional wellness enables us to navigate such challenges. Taking the time to promote and enhance our wellness and wellbeing is therefore time well spent. Laois Connects reminds us that there are small and achievable things that we can do to ‘connect’ with our emotional and mental health, whether this is keeping active, looking after our physical health, staying in touch with others, having a chat if we need to talk about something, or just doing something that we enjoy and get meaning from. Keeping ourselves mentally and physically well on an ongoing basis is a gift that we can give to ourselves and one that will enable us to cope with the ups and downs of everyday life. It is important also to be aware that sometimes we may need some support from others, and we don’t have to do it all on our own. Reach out to your support system – family, friends, or someone you can trust. Connect in with the various supports and services that are available – they are there for you and anyone who may need some help and support. Check out www.connectingforlifemidlands.ie or www.yourmentalhealth.ie or Freephone: 1800 111 888 for a list of local and national services. “
Finola Colgan Development Officer, Mental Health Ireland Midlands Louth and Meath said;
“Given the current societal changes, addressing mental health issues is more timely than ever. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024, set by the World Federation for Mental Health, is “It is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace.” This year, Laois Connects is focusing on the theme of Connecting. Incorporating regular team-building activities, open communication, and social events can help strengthen workplace connections and create a more supportive workplace culture.
Laois Connects offers a fantastic opportunity to learn more about mental health . Throughout the week Laois Connects will place an emphasis on activities that can support and enhance our mental well-being. Connecting with others outside of work and our homes plays a crucial role in maintaining our mental health, as strong social connections can provide emotional support, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging.”
Among the events planned are willow weaving workshop to connect with craft being offered by Laois County Council’s Sport and Leisure Department. These classes will be delivered at various locations throughout the county. Check on www.laois.ie for further details.
Laois Sports Partnership are delivering a range of activities and programmes, both for the week of Laois Connects and beyond, these include Chair Yoga and Pilates programmes, sequence dance with Maureen Culleton, Jive classes, fun days for all abilities, aqua aerobics and the ever popular Vicarstown park run. These activities will connect you with fitness and most importantly with others as you get to dance, play and exercise with others. Watch both Laois Sports Partnership and our socials for updates.
We encourage everyone to get out walking & running in the fresh air and we have listings of walks in Laois to get you out to stretch the legs.
The Dunamaise Arts Centre will connect you with the arts as they have a free movie screening for students on the 8th October. Bressie also comes to the Dunamaise on the 8th with his live podcast “ Where is my mind?”
Among the other events taking place for Laois Connects week are a wellness walk in Emo Court on World Mental Health day, the 10th October, a performance by the amazing Sing for Joy choir in St Mary’s Hall on the 9th October and a mindfulness workshop in Portlaoise Family Resource Centre on Friday the 11th October.
Further details regarding dates, times, locations of all events will be issued soon.
You are welcome to visit our website www.laois.ie or follow us on social media for updates……….
Check on laois.ie or on our social channels for further details.
To see where our events are in your area click
Further info
https://laois.ie/departments/community/laois-connects/
https://laois.ie/departments/libraries/whats-on/
https://laois.ie/departments/libraries/whats-on/
Mental Health Ireland- Five Ways to Wellbeing Webinar: we will be offering a free online Five Ways to Wellbeing Webinar every day in October.. People are welcome to register for the webinars here
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/connect-to-five-ways-to-wellbeing-webinar-tickets-1005085125667
Make Way Day 2024 is back – Friday, 27th September, 2024- The People’s Park
Make way on our streets
for people with disabilities.
Changing the small things can have a very big impact on people with differing abilities. Laois County Council supports Make Way Day on Friday 27th September and hopes to help bring the Spirit of the Olympics to the People’s Park Portlaoise, for the day, by creating awareness of the access issues faced by the people of Laois, as they go about their daily business.
Although one person in seven around the world has a disability, there are still too many physical and social barriers that restrict people from living full and independent lives in our County. We have all enjoyed following our Irish Athletes at the Olympics and hope everyone will play their own part and join us for a walk in the People Park in Portlaoise and help raise awareness that will ensure everyone enjoys the same rights, access, and opportunities.
“Make Way Day is a campaign that brings the disability and wider community together, to consider the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share” explained Emma O’Connor the Healthy Laois Co-ordinator at the recent launch of Make Way Day in County Hall. “Having the opportunity to work closely with organisations such as the IWA, NCBI, NLN, Rehabcare Portlaoise & Laois Sports Partnership provides a unique collaboration across the county between Laois County Council, Healthy Ireland, Laois PPN and the voluntary and local government sectors”
This year we will focus on our wonderful parks here in Portlaoise as a tribute to the Spirit of the Olympics. The objective of the day is to identify what works well in our neighbourhood and what we can do to make our leisure areas more accessible.
Make Way Day is for Everyone. This is your chance to play a part and join us at The People’s Park Car Park at 10.45am on Friday 27th September 2024. Walks starts at 11.00 am with refreshments after.
For more information on this initiative Click here: https://www.makewayday.com/
Contact our Community Department, Laois County Council, if you wish to find out more on this initiative- 057-8664060 and/or Emma O’Connor Healthy Laois Co-Ordinator at 086-0665215 or email eoconnor@laoiscoco.ie
Market Square Ballinakill
Pavement and Planting Design Proposal –Non-Statutory Public Consultation
Tuesday 1st October 2024 – 5pm – 7pm
Location: BALLINAKILL COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHURCH STREET, BALLINAKILL, CO. LAOIS, R32HT73
(Opposite Saint Brigid’s Church, Ballinakill)
240916 Ballinakill Market Square Amended Notice – Consulatation
Seo fógra ó Chomhairle Contae Laoise gur mian linn an bóthar seo a leanas ag an láthair seo a leanas a dhúnadh go sealadach:
Bóthar: L-7938-0 An Ráth Mhór – Garrainn, Co. Laois
AR agus/nó IDIR na dátaí agus na hamanna seo a leanas:
02/09/2024 09:00 hrs agus 02/09/2024 18:00 hrs
Chun críocha: Oibreacha Athdhromchlú Bóthair
24_076-05_001_CO_R00_ L7938 Ratmore Co. Laois ( Eastern Area Laois) ( Site 25) (003)09.09.2024
Seolfar aon agóidí nó tuairimí ar ríomhphost chuig:
Ríomhphost 1 pmcveigh@laoiscoco.ie agus cóipeáil an méid seo a leanas
Ríomhphost 2 kecoogan@laoiscoco.ie
Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Public Consultation – Morecambe Offshore Windfarm development, located approximately 30km from the Lancashire coastline
Summary
On 16 November 2022, the Minister for Housing, Local Government & Heritage, received a transboundary EIA screening statement in relation to the proposed Morecambe Offshore Windfarm development, which was conducted on behalf of the United Kingdom’s Secretary of State at the pre-application stage. The transboundary screening process identified potential transboundary issues for Ireland relating to impacts on commercial fishing and shipping and navigation.
Subsequently, on 26 July 2024, the United Kingdom’s Planning Inspectorate (PINS) wrote to the Minister to invite Ireland to participate in transboundary EIA consultation as the Examining Authority had accepted the planning application for the proposed development. This public consultation is being held in accordance with article 132 of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001 – 2024.
Additionally, following the acceptance of the planning application a second transboundary screening was conducted on 26 July 2024. This transboundary screening process concluded that potential transboundary environmental impacts on Ireland were not likely to be significant. However, in keeping with the procedures for similar developments and the initial screening results, a public consultation is being held to give members of the public an opportunity to make submissions on the proposed development.
Why is this consultation being undertaken?
In accordance with the provisions of the 1991 United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (“the Espoo Convention”), transboundary States are required to engage in transboundary consultation, including with members of the public, in respect of projects likely to have significant effects on the environment of neighbouring States as part of the environmental impact assessment of a proposed development. For this purpose, the transboundary State in whose territory the project is intended to be carried out is required to send to the affected State, no later than when informing its own public, a description of the project and any available information on its possible transboundary impact.
As noted above, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage recently received information in the form of a letter of notification dated 26 July 2024 from PINS, relating to an application for development consent for the proposed Morecambe Offshore Windfarm development that is now in the pre-examination stage of their development consent order process.
The proposed development is comprised of (but not limited to) an offshore wind farm array located in the east Irish Sea approximately 30km from the Lancashire coastline.
The UK Secretary of State has determined that the proposed development requires an environmental impact assessment and consequently they have conducted a transboundary EIA screening. The initial transboundary screening exercise determined that the proposed development may have transboundary environmental impacts in Ireland that included significant impacts on commercial fishing and shipping and navigation. The second transboundary screening concluded that the transboundary environmental impacts would not be significant impacts.
Screening Assessment
The letter of 26 July 2024 provides details of where further information on the proposed development can be found on the PINS website – see also link provided under “How to participate” below.
How to Participate
All documentation related to the development consent application for the proposed development, including additional or amending documentation accepted at the discretion of the PINS, is available to view on its website at:
https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/EN010121/documents
Members of the public may wish to visit the Dublin City Council public consultation portal to view correspondence from the PINS, digital copies of extracts from the applicant’s Environmental Statement; associated documents and links provided by the PINS to the full Environmental Statement and all other documentation relating to the development consent application for the proposed development.
https://consultation.dublincity.ie/planning/morecambe-offshore-windfarm
The public consultation notice is also available to view in the office of the Planning Section of Laois County Council during office hours.
A copy of these documents are available for inspection, or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, during office hours at the office of each local authority nationwide and Laois County Council.
Making submissions or observations
Submissions or observations should be made directly to the Planning Inspectorate UK at Morecambeoffshorewindproject@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Deadlines for submissions or observations
The public consultation period is open from 04th September 2024. The deadline for the receipt of written submissions or observations under this transboundary consultation process is close of business on 09th October 2024 at the latest. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage will not accept submissions or observations in relation to the project.
Documents
Documents are available below.
Terms and Conditions
Not applicable – submissions are made directly to the competent authority, therefore neither the Department nor any planning authorities will be receiving submissions. On that basis, there should be no GDPR concerns
Contact details for submissions or observations
Any queries in relation to this transboundary EIA consultation should be directed to Dublin City Council. See contact details below:
Greg Bryan, Administrative Officer
Planning & Property Development Department, Planning Administration,
Block4, Floor 3, Civic Offices,
Wood Quay, Dublin 8
T: 01-2223108 E: greg.bryan@dublincity.ie
Download The Press Notice646.6 KB (PDF document)
