Portlaoise Men's Shed to paint bench yellow for charity

Portlaoise Men’s Shed will paint a town bench yellow as part of a new initiative to highlight the supports available from the Irish Cancer Society.  

Councillors Thomasina Connell, Caroline Dwane Stanley, Catherine Fitzgerald, Marie Tuohy, Barry Walsh, John Joe Fennelly and Willie Aird put down a motion on the matter at the last Portlaoise Municipal District meeting. 

They asked “that Laois County Council allow the use of an existing bench in Portlaoise town area, that will then be painted Daffodil Yellow by the local Men's Shed. Once painted, they will place a QR Code plaque, with all relevant logos, on the bench that will link people directly to Irish Cancer Society supports and services. Benches are a place of rest but also a place of reflection.  A place where people take time to think things through and set things straight. The Irish Cancer Society have contacted all the Portlaoise MD councillors for their support and have commented that people aren't aware of the volume of supports and services that the Irish Cancer Society provide and this project represents a way of putting a visual reminder of those supports right in the heart of our communities."

In his response, Senior Executive Engineer, Wes Wilkinson said “I will make myself available to meet with the Portlaoise MD  Councillors to choose a bench in a suitable location for this initiative.”

Cllr Barry Walsh expressed his belief that the bench should be located in a location that was well used in the town. He said the Southern Circular is being proposed and he believed it was a suitable location.  

Cllr John Joe Fennelly welcomed the council’s response to the motion. 

“I think it is a project that should be rolled out to all the towns and villages. Everybody is affected in different areas,” he said. 

Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley also supported the motion. She also said it was important to recognise that the Irish Cancer Society provides fantastic services and carries out great work.