In Pictures: Laois event aims to empower community, business and organisations

Laois County Council and its Regeneration team say they are thrilled with the success of their inaugural Funding Roadshow held on Thursday, 22nd May 2025 at Bloom HQ, Mountrath. TO READ MORE see below picture. To see more pictures taken by Alf Harvey and supplied to the Leinster Express / Laois Live tap next or arrow.

The local authority said the event attracted a full house of enthusiastic attendees from across the county. This included town teams, business owners, voluntary organisations, and community leaders — all eager to explore funding opportunities and connect with experts.

The council said the "dynamic and inclusive" atmosphere highlighted the "collaborative spirit that continues to drive positive change" in Laois.

“This roadshow exceeded expectations, — the engagement, the questions, the networking — it clearly demonstrated the appetite and readiness of communities across Laois to drive local development” said Denise Rainey, Town Regeneration Officer at Laois County Council.

“We were especially encouraged to see so many groups interested in tackling vacancy and dereliction issues, a key focus of our regeneration work here under the government’s Town Centre First Policy.

“Laois County Council extends heartfelt thanks to all who attended, participated, and supported the roadshow in the fabulous inclusive venue that is Bloom HQ. Together, we are regenerating, stronger, more vibrant towns and villages across Laois,” she said.

The council said attendees were provided with:

• In-depth guidance on current and future grant schemes and application processes
• Practical advice on community development funding
• Strategies for transforming vacant and derelict properties
• One-on-one consultations with Council and Laois Partnership experts
• An opportunity for community representatives and town teams from different towns across the county to network and share ideas about town centre regeneration and revitalisation with like-minded individuals.

The council said participants left equipped with clear next steps and actionable insights to secure funding for a diverse array of projects. The roadshow also provided a critical early look at 2025 grant timelines, helping local groups prepare well in advance.

The Regeneration team at Laois County Council is already exploring opportunities to host follow-up sessions and thematic funding clinics later in the year.

Hosted in the welcoming Liath Luachra Suite, the Funding Roadshow featured representatives from key Laois County Council departments including the Business Support Unit, Laois Local Enterprise Office, Regeneration, Vacant Homes’ & Climate Action, Tourism, Sports & Recreation Sections, Local Authority Integration Team, Laois Sports Partnership, Healthy Ireland, Creative Ireland, LAWPRO, PPN, Just Transition Fund & EU Just Transition Fund Tourism Activator. Laois Partnership also played a central role, offering expert advice on a wide range of community-focused grants.

For further information or follow-up queries or photography, please contact: Laois County Council, Regeneration Office
Email: LS-TownRegeneration-Team@laoiscoco.ie