'Exceptional' Abbeyleix garden group wins Laois Community & Voluntary Awards
Abbeyleix Community Garden wins Climate Action Award
The ‘exceptional’ work of Abbeyleix Community Garden in advancing climate action at a community level was highlighted as the were announced as the winners of the Climate Action Award category in the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2026.
The Climate Action Award recognises communities that are taking meaningful steps to address climate change and build a more sustainable future.
“Through environmental initiatives and community-led action, these groups encourage positive change and demonstrate how local action can deliver real environmental benefits and strengthen community resilience. They lead by example, and inspire others to act and show that communities play a vital role in creating a healthier, greener and more sustainable county,” say the Awards organisers
The judges noted that the quality of nominations for this year's Climate Action Award was particularly high from all entrants but singled out the Abbeyleix Community Garden entry.
“However, the winning entry was exceptional. They are a group that embodies the spirit of community climate action. The engagement with multiple stakeholders including the local tidy towns, LOETB, local schools, members from new communities and more, shows that this amenity is valued greatly.
“The use of new technology in the form of solar-panelled, battery-operated water harvesting and conservation shows true leadership in advancing climate action for generations to come,” said the citation.
This award is sponsored by Laois County Council’s Climate Action Section. The Laois County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, presented the winners with €500 and a Galway Crystal piece to commemorate the achievement.
She presented the runners-up prize of €250 to the Rathdowney Men’s Shed. MORE BELOW PHOTO.
The nominations in this category were:
- Abbeyleix Community Garden
- Rathdowney Men's Shed
- Camross Tidy Towns
The award was presented at a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise on Friday, November 13.
This is the 17th year of the awards, which were hosted by Laois County Council in association with Laois Public Participation Network and sponsored by People First Credit Union, Laois Sports Partnership, Connect Laois, and Laois Volunteer Centre.
The Leinster Express / Laois Live is the Media Partner.