Category: News
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Draft Portlaoise Local Area Plan 2024 – 2030 – Public Meetings upcoming!
PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSIONS will be held at Laois County Council Offices, Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise on:
Thursday 18th April 2024: 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm
Thursday 25th April 2024: 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm
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Tabhair Dídean, Tabhair Dóchas
An bhfuil teach, árasán, teach saoire, nó seomra agat nach bhfuil in úsáid faoi láthair?
Smaoinigh le do thoil é a thairiscint dóibh siúd atá ag teitheadh cogadh san Úcráin.
Tá íocaíocht mhíosúil €800 saor cháin ar fáil.
Téigh chuig Gov.ie/TabhairDidean chun tairiscint a dhéanamh nó chun tuilleadh eolais a fháil.
#TabhairDidean
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Offer A Home, Offer Hope
Do you have a house, apartment, holiday home or room not in use?Please consider offering it for those fleeing Ukraine. A monthly €800 tax-free payment is available.
Our community in Laois has the power to make a real difference in the lives of Ukrainian refugees fleeing conflict. By signing up to offer a home, you’re not just providing shelter, but hope and safety to those in need. Together, we can show the world the strength of compassion and solidarity!
Register today to offer a home and be a beacon of light in someone’s darkest hour. Go to Gov.ie/OfferAHome to make an offer or for more information.
#OfferAHome #LaoisOpensHearts #HomeForUkraine #RefugeesWelcome #LendAHand #CommunitySupport #TogetherWeCan #HopeForUkraine #Solidarity #Compassion #LaoisCares #ActOfKindness
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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.
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
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
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Draft Portlaoise Local Area Plan 2024 – 2030
A Draft Portlaoise Local Area Plan 2024-2030 has been prepared. Submissions or observations are hereby invited from the public and interested bodies up to 4pm on 17th May 2024.
It can be viewed at the following link on the consultation portal: Draft Portlaoise Local Area Plan 2024 – 2030 | Laois County Council Consultation Portal
and on Laois.ie at the following link: Portlaoise Local Area Plan 2024 – 2030 – Laois County Council
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Increased Cost of Business Scheme – You must register to be eligible for the payment
The deadline for Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) grant registration is fast approaching! Businesses have until May 1st to register on the ICOB Portal at icob.ie. Eligibility Criteria: Make sure to check the portal for the criteria and see if your business qualifies. Don’t miss out on this vital support for small and medium businesses!
Act Now: Register as soon as possible to avail of this grant. Payments will commence from late April 2024.
Visit icob.ie for more information.
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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
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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
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Increased Cost of Business Grant – Registration now open
**** Registration now open for ICOB scheme****
Click to register ICOB
As part of Budget 2024, the Government signed off on a package of €257m for the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) Grant as a vital measure for small and medium businesses. Laois County Council, funded through Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE), will manage the rollout of the grant to qualifying businesses.
Eligible businesses will receive a once-off grant payment. The amount of the grant payable to eligible businesses is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill the business received in 2023. However, it is not a Commercial Rates waiver and businesses should continue to pay their Commercial Rates bill as normal.
What is the purpose of the grant?
The grant is available to qualifying businesses as a contribution towards the rising costs faced by businesses. The grant is intended to aid businesses but is not intended to directly compensate for all increases in wages, or other costs, for every business.
How much is the grant?
The grant is based on the value of the Commercial Rates bill received by an eligible business in 2023.
– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of <€10,000, the ICOB grant will be paid at a rate of 50% of the business’s Commercial Rate bill for 2023.
– For qualifying businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rate bill of between €10,000 and €30,000, the ICOB grant will be €5,000.
– Businesses with a 2023 Commercial Rates bill greater than €30,000 are not eligible to receive an ICOB grant.
What businesses are eligible to receive the grant?
The following are the main qualifying criteria:
- Your business must be a commercially trading business currently operating from a property that is commercially rateable.
- Your business must have been trading on 1st February 2024 and you must intend to continue trading for at least three months from the date you verify your information.
- You must provide confirmation of your bank details.
- Your business must be rates compliant. Businesses in performing payment plans may be deemed to be compliant.
- Your business must be tax compliant and must possess a valid Tax Registration Number (TRN).
Please note that Laois County Council reserves the right to claw back any grant payment which is later found to be incorrect. This includes any circumstances such as error by the recipient business or the local authority making the payment, or where a business makes a false declaration of eligibility.
NOTE: As part of the Increased Cost of Business Grant Scheme all grant recipients will be published on the local authority website in November 2024.
How soon can businesses avail of the grant?
An online system is being developed to manage the submission of essential information. Laois County Council will write shortly to businesses with further details, including how to register and how to submit information online. The system is expected to be available in mid-March.
What is the closing date?
The closing date for businesses to confirm eligibility and to upload verification details will be 1st May 2024.
Where can I find out further information?
Further correspondence and guidance will be issued to commercially rateable businesses in the next few weeks. In addition, an FAQ will be available online when the grant scheme opens. You should refer to this guidance and FAQ prior to making your submission.
If you have queries regarding your Commercial Rates account including outstanding balances, contact Laois County Council at 05786 89367 and/or rates@laoiscoco.ie. Our team are happy to discuss any balances outstanding on your rates and what steps can be taken to ensure compliance with the scheme.
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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!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
