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24 Jan 2026
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24 Jan 2026
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Laois County Council County Hall in Portlaoise.
Laois County Council has been shortlisted for 'Council of the Year' at this year's All-Ireland Community and Council Awards, as well as in a number of other categories.
The All-Ireland Community and Council Awards aims to showcase the collaboration between communities and councils. The awards are held by the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) and sponsored by IPB.
In addition to being shortlisted for the coveted 'Council of the Year', Laois County Council has been shortlisted in a number of other highly competitive categories.
The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence, which officially opened in 2023 in Portlaoise, has been shortlisted for 'Best Enterprise & Start Up Hub.'
The newly opened The Poet's Cottage Café in Camross has also been shortlisted for 'Best Community - Scale Enhancement.' Opening its doors in just November 2025, the village café has revitalised the community of Camross. Funding of €250,000 from the EU Just Transition Fund helped deliver the café.
The Goldencroft Urban Regeneration Project, a social housing scheme comprising 67 houses and apartments in Portlaoise, has been shortlisted for 'Best Housing Regeneration & Urban Planning.'
Laois County Council has also made strides in the field of sustainability. The Portlaoise Low Carbon Town project, the first of its kind in Ireland, has been shortlisted for 'Best Sustainable Infrastructure & Climate Action' as well as 'Excellence in Sustainable Major Infrastructure Delivery.'
Laois County Council has also been shortlisted alongside Longford, Offaly and Westmeath County Councils in the 'National Impact Award' category for the Driving STEM in the Midlands Initiative.
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Commenting on the announcement, Chief Executive of Laois County Council Michael Rainey said: "I am delighted to share that Laois has been nominated for multiple projects at the 2026 All-Ireland Community & Council Awards, as well as being shortlisted for the prestigious Council of the Year title.
"This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our staff across the organisation, who strive every day to deliver the highest quality services for the people of Laois."
The awards will be presented on Saturday, February 28 at the Convention Centre in Dublin.
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