PICTURES: All smiles at Laois Tidy Towns AGM

Laois County Council hosted the Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns (LFTT) on Wednesday, 12th February 2025, at the Maldron Hotel, Portlaoise.

For more pictures, click NEXT or ARROW. More on the story below.

The event brought together dedicated volunteers from across the county to reflect on past achievements and set the course for the coming year.

The Laois Federation of Tidy Towns (LFTT) is an umbrella organisation that supports and connects Tidy Towns groups across Laois, promoting environmental sustainability and community pride through various initiatives and competitions.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Laughter raises the roof in Laois at Mountmellick Macra's Panto

Sam McLeod, Environmental Awareness Officer at Laois County Council, opened the meeting with a review of the past year’s efforts, acknowledging the commitment and hard work of the outgoing committee.

A special thanks was extended to those involved in judging the local Tidy Towns Awards in November 2024. Sam also highlighted the launch of a pioneering community insurance initiative—a collaboration between four Local Authorities and IPB Insurance, now providing essential coverage for Laois Tidy Towns groups. This initiative marks a major step forward in securing the sustainability of community-led environmental projects.

The AGM covered key business updates, including a financial report from Treasurer Doreen Gowing, who outlined budgets and expenditures.

A significant milestone of the evening was the election of a new leadership team to guide the Federation for the next two years. The newly elected Chairperson is Maura Reddin (Mountmellick Tidy Towns), with Noreen Byrne (Ballacolla Tidy Towns) taking up the role of Vice Chairperson. Doreen Gowing (Portlaoise Tidy Towns) remains as Treasurer, while Sam McLeod will step into the role of Secretary. The new committee also includes Martin Kells (Cullohill Tidy Towns), Judy Ryan (Portarlington Tidy Towns), and Aileen Hartnett (Rosenallis Tidy Towns).

A highlight of the evening was a talk by Michael Buckley, Executive Parks and Landscape Officer with Laois County Council. Michael shared insights on biodiversity, the benefits of pollinator-friendly planting, and the importance of reducing herbicide use. He also provided guidance on planting bulbs gifted to Tidy Towns groups to enhance local green spaces. His session concluded with an engaging Q&A.

Additionally, Geraldine Wren from the Environment Section of Laois County Council provided an update on Clean Up Laois Week, scheduled for April. Attendees signed up for the initiative and received clean-up kits, equipping them with litter pickers, bin hoops, gloves, and bags to support their efforts in maintaining Laois’s natural beauty.

Before the evening wrapped up with tea and coffee, attendees were encouraged to apply for the Tidy Towns Grant Scheme 2025 before the 28th February 2025 deadline.

With 45 Tidy Towns Committee members representing 24 Tidy Towns groups attending the AGM, it was a resounding success. The event reaffirmed the strength of Laois’s community spirit, and with a dynamic new committee in place, the Federation looks forward to another impactful year of keeping Laois clean, green, and thriving.