Notification of the use of TEMPORARY TRAFFIC LIGHTS and/or STOP-GO BOARD(s)
At the following location:
Road: R423
From a point: Bend at Deadman’s Pub, Ballyfin.
BETWEEN the following dates & times – 01/12/17 08:15 and 01/12/17 17:00
For the purposes of manhole repairs
Any objections or observations shall be emailed to: pmcloughlin@laoiscoco.ie and cc ghooban@laoiscoco.ie and ekenny@laoiscoco.ie
The Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced that the very successful Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Structures at Risk Fund will operate again in 2018. The two schemes will provide a €3.3 million in investment in 2018 for the repair and conservation of protected structures. These schemes supported more than 500 projects across the country in 2017 and helped to provide employment in the conservation and construction industries.
Minister Humphreys said:
“This investment of €3.3 million in the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Structures at Risk Fund will encourage the investment of private capital in small-scale, labour-intensive projects to repair and conserve historic structures. This will improve the appearance and structure of historic buildings across the country and will also support jobs in the conservation and construction industries.
“Well-maintained historic buildings contribute positively to the vitality of our cities, towns, villages and countryside. Local communities have a great sense of pride in their built heritage, which in turn can help to provide an important source of local employment by boosting tourism.
“Both schemes will operate on the same model as the 2017 schemes, which were a great success, funding over 500 projects across every local authority area in the country. They will help to regenerate urban and rural areas, and will come as a welcome boost to the custodians of heritage properties.”
Scheme documents for 2018 available to date are below. Further details will be published when available.
All works carried out under the BHIS must be capital works. Full details of all requirements are in the Circular BHIS 18/1.
The BHIS will operate in 2018 with funding available to the amount of €2,000,000 nationally. The amount available to each Local Athority has not yet been published.
The total funding available for each individual project cannot exceed 50% of the total project cost.
The minimum funding available under the BHIS will be €2,500 up to a maximum grant of €15,000.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 31st January 2018.
Full Scheme Terms and Conditions: BHIS 2018 Circular November 2017
Application Form: BHIS 2018 Appendix II – Application Form A
Details of works which qualify for funding: BHIS 2018 Appendix I – Qualifying and Non Qualifying Works
All works carried out under the SRF must be capital works. Only structures or parts of structures in immediate danger of significant deterioration will qualify for consideration for funding.
The SRF will operate in 2018 with funding available to the amount of €1,324,000; €74,000 of which will be allocated for funding towards the type of house covered by An Action Plan for the Sustainable Future of the Irish Historic House, launched in 2015.
Due to the limited resources available for the operation of the scheme in 2018, DCHG will consider four applications per local authority, only one of which may be a publicly-owned building. A fifth application may be made if it relates to an Irish Historic House in private ownership.
The total funding available for each individual project shall not exceed 80% of the total project cost. The minimum funding available under the SRF will be €15,000 up to a maximum grant of €30,000. The minimum funding available for a fifth project in respect of a historic house in private ownership will be €5,000 up to a maximum of €10,000. The closing date for applications is 31st January 2018.
Full Scheme Terms and Conditions: 1. Circular SRF 2018 – FINAL
Application Form: 2. Appendix I – APPLICATION FORM A – OWNER_APPLICANT
Download the latest edition of the Midland Arts Magazine here or pick up a free copy at your local library or from the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise. http://www.laois.ie/publications/arts/
SPONSORSHIP OF ROUNDABOUTS
Laois County Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for sponsorship of the maintenance of a number of landscaped roundabouts around the County located in:
• Graiguecullen, Co Laois
• Emo Area (R445)
• Portlaoise Town
Sponsorship of the roundabout will entitle the “Selected Sponsor” to have advertising rights on the roundabout. The roundabout offers an excellent promotional opportunity for business organisations.
Further information including tender documents are available on request from the Roads Department at 057-8664000, or by e-mail at mflynn@laoiscoco.ie
Expressions of Interest should be returned in a sealed envelope clearlymarked ‘Expressions of Interest for Sponsorship of Roundabouts’ to Senior Executive Engineer Roads, Laois County Council, Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois by 4:00pm on Thursday 14th December 2017.
Stop/Go boards will be in operation in Abbeyleix as follows:
Road: N77 – The Market Square Abbeyleix
From a point: From Abbeyleix Post Office
To a point: 50m north of Church Avenue.
BETWEEN the following dates & times
29/11/17 09:15 and 30/11/17 17:00
For the purposes of Pavement Resurfacing
Any objections or observations shall be emailed to: tmadden@laoiscoco.ie and copy fnasiem@laoiscoco.ie
nsweeney@laoiscoco.ie
Laois County Council wish to advise that the roads around Portarlington, including the road between Mountmelick and Portarlington, are now open to traffic.
Members of the Defence Force and Laois Civil Defence are still deployed in Mountmellick assisting with the clean-up.
The Council’s Housing Service and the Department of Social Protection is continuing to provide support and assistance to those affected by the floods. Anyone who requires support including emergency housing, dealing with the aftermath at their properties or any other humanitarian need can call to the Humanitarian Aid Centre at Wolfe Tone Court Mountmellick. This service will continue to be provided at the Centre until 2.00pm today (Saturday).
Useful information on how to deal with the aftermath of flooding can be accessed at http://www.flooding.ie/Intheeventofaflood/
Defence Minister, Paul Kehoe, announced a humanitarian flooding scheme to provide emergency assistance for small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs and community organisations unable to secure flood insurance, which have been affected by flooding. This scheme is being administered by the Irish Red Cross and details can be accessed at https://www.redcross.ie/news-and-events/laois-humanitarian-support-scheme/
In the event that you require the emergency services, please dial 999.
Laois County Council would like to acknowledge and thank the public for their on-going co-operation. Laois County Council would also like to acknowledge the assistance provided by other local authorities and all agencies including members of the Defence Forces.
Have you been affected by flooding, click on link below for further information
PRESS RELEASE AT 14.00 – 24th NOVEMBER 2017 – LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL
Laois County Council wish to advise that the N80 is now open to traffic.
With regard to Portarlington, Botley Lane, Bog Road and Patrick Street are closed. Diversions are in place and the Council will continue to monitor the situation.
Members of the public are requested to observe road closure signs, drive appropriately and not attempt to drive through flooded areas.
The Council’s Housing Service and the Department of Social Protection is continuing to provide support and assistance to those affected by the floods. Anyone who requires support including emergency housing, dealing with the aftermath at their properties or any other humanitarian need can call to the Humanitarian Aid Centre at Wolfe Tone Court Mountmellick. This service will continue to be provided at the Centre until 6.00 pm this evening and will be available again from 9.00 am to 2.00pm tomorrow (Saturday).
Useful information on how to deal with the aftermath of flooding can be accessed at http://www.flooding.ie/Intheeventofaflood/
Defence Minister, Paul Kehoe, announced a humanitarian flooding scheme to provide emergency assistance for small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs and community organisations unable to secure flood insurance, which have been affected by flooding. This scheme is being administered by the Irish Red Cross and details can be accessed at https://www.redcross.ie/news-and-events/laois-humanitarian-support-scheme/
Please be advised if you require the assistance of Laois County Council contact (057) 86 64000. In the event that you require the emergency services, please dial 999.
Laois County Council would like to acknowledge and thank the public for their on-going co-operation. Laois County Council would also like to acknowledge the assistance provided by other local authorities and all agencies including members of the Defence Forces.
Please see link below which contains general advice about cleaning up safely after flooding
PRESS RELEASE AT 09.30 – 24th NOVEMBER 2017 – LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL
Laois County Council wish to advise that the N80 is now open to traffic except for Irishtown. Local diversions continue to be in place.
With regard to Portarlington, Botley Lane and Bog Road are closed. Stop and go is currently in place on Patrick Street and the Council will continue to monitor the situation.
Roads crews, Civil Defence crews and Fire Service crews are in attendance. Members of the public are requested to observe road closure signs, drive appropriately and not attempt to drive through flooded areas.
Please be advised if you require the assistance of Laois County Council contact (057) 86 64000. In the event that you require the emergency services, please dial 999.
Laois County Council would like to acknowledge and thank the public for their on-going co-operation. Laois County Council would also like to acknowledge the assistance provided by other local authorities and all agencies including members of the Defence Forces.
PRESS RELEASE AT 16.30 ON 23RD NOVEMBER, 2017
LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL
Laois County Council is continuing with its flood management, clean up and impact reduction operations in Mountmellick and surrounding areas.
Support for Affected Homeowners
The Council’s Housing Service and the Department of Social Protection is continuing to provide support and assistance to those affected by the floods. Anyone who has been affected and who requires support and assistance including emergency housing, dealing with the aftermath at their properties or any other humanitarian need can call to the Humanitarian Aid Centre at Wolfe Tone Court, Mountmellick. This service will continue to be provided at the Centre until 6.00 pm this evening and will be available again from 9.00 am in the morning.
Laois County Council will be providing a number of skips to assist affected households in the clean-up operations. Anyone who requires help with their clean-up efforts or who needs to access skips and/or dehumidifiers is being asked to contact the Council at (057) 86 64000.
Humanitarian Support Scheme for Business
Defence Minister, Paul Kehoe, has announced the provision of a humanitarian support scheme to provide emergency assistance for small businesses (up to 20 employees), sports clubs and community organisations unable to secure flood insurance, which have been affected by flooding over the last twenty four hours.
Similar to previous flooding incidents, the scheme will be administered by the Irish Red Cross with the details being made available on their website shortly.
The scheme is a humanitarian support contribution towards the costs of returning business, sport and community premises to their pre-flood condition including the replacement of flooring, fixtures and fittings and damaged stock where relevant. The scheme will not provide a contribution to loss of earnings or loss of business good-will.
The scheme will have two stages:
The first stage will commence immediately and will provide a contribution of up to €5,000, depending on the scale of damage incurred. It is anticipated that this will meet the needs for the majority of those affected. This will commence immediately and the intent is to process payments as speedily as possible.
In the event that the premises have incurred significant damages above €5,000, the second stage will provide a means to seek further support. The total level of support available for both stages combined will be capped at €20,000
Roads Update
The following roads remain closed:
• N80 through Mountmellick.
• R423 Ballyfin to Mountmellick
• L2097 Derrycloney to the R423
• L2096 Manor Street
• L2075 Manor Road
• R423 Mountmellick to Portarlington,
• L21331 Clonterry
• Bay Road
Local diversions remain in place. Motorists are urged to continue to exercise extreme caution on all roads, to observe road closure signs, drive appropriately and not attempt to drive through flooded areas and in particular to avoid the Mountmellick area.
As water levels continue to rise, the town of Portarlington is now under threat. In this regard, a supply of sand bags is being made available for collection from the depot at the rear of the Fire Station. Arrangements can be made for their distribution if required.
Useful information on how to deal with the aftermath of flooding can be accessed at http://www.flooding.ie/Intheeventofaflood/
Laois County Council would like to acknowledge the assistance and co-operation provided by other local authorities and all agencies including members of the Defence Forces and to thank the public for their on-going co-operation.
PRESS RELEASE AT 11.40 am- 23rd NOVEMBER 2017 – LAOIS COUNTY COUNCIL
Laois County Council wishes to advise that due to the recent heavy rainfall a substantial number of regional and local roads continue to remain impassable including the N80. Traffic from Tullamore travelling to Portlaoise should travel via Portarlington.
Roads within the Mountmellick area which remain impassable include:
1. Ballyfin to Mountmellick,
2. Derrycloney to Ballyfin,
3. Manor Lane,
4. Mountmellick to Portarlington,
5. Acragar and
6. Irishtown.
35 families were evacuated by the Council and hotel accommodation provided for those who required same. A Humanitarian Aid Centre has been set up at the Community Centre at Wolfe Tone Court staffed by Laois County Council and the Department of Social Protection.
Fire crews from Westmeath, Longford, and Offaly provided assistance overnight. These have now been replaced again by Laois Fire Crews. Army personnel are also providing assistance. Laois Fire Services, Civil Defence and Road Crews remain in response mode.
Motorists are urged to continue to exercise caution on all roads, to observe road closure signs, drive appropriately and not attempt to drive through flooded areas and in particular to avoid the Mountmellick area.
Emergency crews will remain in attendance and Laois County Council will continue to monitor flood levels in the County.
Please be advised if you require the assistance of Laois County Council contact (057) 86 64000. In the event that you require the emergency services, please dial 999.
Laois County Council would like to acknowledge the assistance provided by other local authorities and all agencies and to thank the public for their on-going co-operation.