Laois officials asked to choose Canada over New York for St Patrick's parade

A Laois councillor wants top council officials to pick Canada for St Patrick's Day next year, instead of New York because of the "what's going on" in the United States.

The suggestion was given to Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey after he reported on a positive trip to New York, at the March 31 monthly council meeting.

The Cathaoirleach, Fianna Fáil Cllr Padraig Fleming had gone with him, along with 45 members of Timahoe Male Choir who funded their own way to march and sing in iconic locations in New York.

Cllr Aisling Moran suggests a Canada trip in 2026.

"I ask that next year you look at Canada, with what is going on in the states. For business and tourism since that's what you're going for," she said.

The Laois CEO agreed but noted the effects of such a decision.

"Absolutely, I know others have extended invitations. However it is important to the local authority that the council is represented. There is a large Laois association in New York. I would be conscious of that if we go elsewhere," Mr Rainey said.

Cllr James Kelly suggested that the officials meet the IDA at home, to highlight the land waiting for a factory in Portlaoise.

Mr Rainey said that the IDA has committed to do advance planning of this land with Laois County Council.

"I had a positive meeting with them last week regarding the marketing and property management side. We have to work to develop a framework, and also look at engaging the ESB and Uisce Éireann to service the land. I will come back in June or July when we have something more concrete," he said.

Giving his report on the visit, he said the Timahoe Male Choir, who played at Electric Picnic and have a charity CD of Lovely Laois, "got a great reaction" in the parade and "added to the sense of occasion" when they sang gigs in pubs and at the American Irish Historical Society.

Mr Rainey and Cllr Padraig Fleming with the choir in the parade. Photos: Laois County Council

The two council chiefs went on the four day trip on traditional invitation by the County Laois Association in New York. They met officials in the New York offices of Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and Tourism Ireland.

"It was important we attend. I belive we are making progress with the IDA. Tourism Ireland's knowledge of Laois was really impressive. Timahoe Choir got on fantastically well, to say they got a great reaction wherever we went was an understatement, the Cathaoirleach even danced a bit," Mr Rainey said.

Cllr Fleming described it as "a great occasion" noting they even got an appearance on Fox News and Sky News, noting the choir "brought the house down everywhere they went".

At Enterprise Ireland's office on Park Avenue with Marisa Mannion, Senior Vice President Construction & Engineering, US.

"Discussions were held in relation to the services available from the New York Office to Laois businesses and the capacity for Laois businesses to expand into the USA. Ms Mannion was very familiar with the county and in particular Midlands Steel following the recent launch of its new premises in Junction 17."

They reminded IDA Ireland of their poor record in Laois, with just 145 out of 8,000 IDA jobs in Laois.

"We emphasised the need for future foreign direct investment in the county. Detailed discussions were held in relation to the IDA lands in Portlaoise and how the Council can support the IDA in attracting investment to the site.

"It was agreed that the Council would arrange a commuter survey to highlight the skilled workforce that is available to any company choosing to locate within the county," the CEO said.

"The Tourism Ireland officials delivered a presentation on their work which included a very detailed understanding of the tourism offerings in Laois. The strong hotel accommodation offerings and the range of high quality golf courses and outdoor recreation opportunities in the county were particularly referenced."

Meeting Tourism Ireland representatives, Paul McDonagh Trade & Industry Engagement Manager and Ashling Scanlon Advertising & Consumer Engagement Executive

On March 15 the delegation met the Laois Association and Laois emigrants at the American Irish Historical Society on 5th Avenue. On March 16, they had a formal dinner with the Laois Association.

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The Cathaoirleach and the Chief Executive gifted two St Brigid’s crosses designed by Laois jeweller Yvonne Bolger and a book of artwork by Portlaoise poet Denise Curtin.

On St Patrick's Day they attended mass in St Patrick’s Cathedral with the County Laois Association following by their proud march in the parade alongside many Laois natives living in the USA.