Tidy Towns groups from across Laois come together for AGM

Tidy Towns groups from across Laois gathered for the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns AGM in Portarlington on Wednesday, February 25.

Hosted by Solas Eco Garden Centre in Portarlington, the AGM celebrated the work of Laois' Tidy Towns groups and looked towards the year ahead. 

The meeting opened with a welcome from Steven Mulally, Environmental Awareness Officer at Laois County Council, followed by an address from Martin Kells, Chairperson of LFTT.

The annual financial report was presented by the LFTT's Treasurer, Doreen Gowing, which outlined the Federation's ongoing work in supporting member groups. 

Caroline Whitelegg, Chairperson of Portarlington Tidy Towns, provided an overview of progress and initiatives underway locally, demonstrating the tangible impact of targeted project based volunteer effort.

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Biodiversity featured strongly throughout the evening. Lisa Doyle, Biodiversity Officer at Laois County Council, delivered a presentation on behalf of the Laois Bat Group which held their first meeting earlier this month.

The presentation highlighted the importance of bat conservation and practical actions communities in Laois can take to enhance habitats. 

Tidy Towns groups were given bat boxes at the AGM to boost local diversity, as well as goodie bags from Community Volunteers Laois.

Laois Clean Up Week was also discussed on the night, with Dervla O’Rourke of the Laois County Council Environment Section outlining plans for the week.

Groups received Clean Up Week packs to support their local anti litter and environmental actions in the coming months.

Focusing again on biodiversity, Solas' Head Horticulturalist Silviu Pantiru led a session on biodiversity in gardening and public spaces and offered practical guidance on pollinator friendly planting and sustainable landscape management.

Festivals were also a topic of discussion at the AGM. Suzanne Dempsey, Laois County Council Climate Action Coordinator, presented the Green Your Festival Kit initiative which demonstrated how festivals can reduce emissions, minimise waste and promote sustainable practices through practical supports provided by the council.

The presentations were concluded with a talk on volunteerism and the value of community leadership and engagement by Caitríona Ryan of Laois Volunteer Centre.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme