Laois leads the way as national climate conference held in Portlaoise

Sandra Malone
By Sandra Malone

Reporter

Published 23rd Dec 2025, 18:22 BST
Gary Luttrell (Abbeyleix Bog Project Director), Catherine O'Toole (Irish Environmental Network) and Dan Bergin (Laois PPN Co-ordinator) at the IEN Winter Conference (Photo by Michael Scully).placeholder image
Gary Luttrell (Abbeyleix Bog Project Director), Catherine O'Toole (Irish Environmental Network) and Dan Bergin (Laois PPN Co-ordinator) at the IEN Winter Conference (Photo by Michael Scully).

Groups from across Ireland gathered for the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) Winter Conference

Environmental groups from across Ireland were welcomed to Laois this month for the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) Winter Conference.

Laois Public Participation Network (PPN) presented their Climate Action Project at the event which took place at the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise. 

Laois PPN consists of over 700 member groups from the Community, Social Inclusion and Environmental Pillars. placeholder image
Laois PPN consists of over 700 member groups from the Community, Social Inclusion and Environmental Pillars. 

Gary Luttrell (Abbeyleix Bog Project Director) and Nuala Madigan (Irish Peatland Conservation Council) at the conference (Photo by Michael Scully).

The Laois PPN Climate Action Project delivers a wide range of community-focused events and initiatives, including a free native Irish tree giveaway, biodiversity walks, sustainable travel events, and funding and capacity-building workshops.

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Within the project, a strong emphasis is placed on collaboration with Community Groups and key stakeholders, such as Laois County Council, to support meaningful and practical climate action at local level.placeholder image
Within the project, a strong emphasis is placed on collaboration with Community Groups and key stakeholders, such as Laois County Council, to support meaningful and practical climate action at local level.

Angela Deegan (Not Gere Not Anywhere) and Maria Cullen (The Organic Centre: IEN Board) at the IEN Winter Conference (Photo by Michael Scully).

Speaking at the IEN Winter Conference, Dan Bergin, Laois PPN Co-Ordinator, said: "Laois PPN’s Climate Action Project aims to engage and empower communities, foster collaboration, and support positive, community-led climate action initiatives."

Gary Lutteral delivered an informative presentation at the conference on the Abbeyleix Bog Project which serves as an excellent example of a community-led conservation initiative and IPB Pride of Place award winner.placeholder image
Gary Lutteral delivered an informative presentation at the conference on the Abbeyleix Bog Project which serves as an excellent example of a community-led conservation initiative and IPB Pride of Place award winner.

Dan Bergin (Laois PPN Co-ordinator) speaking at the conference (Photo by Michael Scully).

The conference was considered a major success, with environmental groups from across the country journeying to Laois to engage and share ideas with county representatives on climate action.

The event also highlighted the importance of local initiatives such as the Laois PPN Climate Action Project in supporting community-led environmental action nationwide.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

Related topics:LaoisLaois County Council
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