Four standout Laois projects shortlisted for national Government awards
Multi-million building restorations in Portlaoise and Portarlington among four Laois nominees
Four Laois projects have been announced in the shortlist for national awards, all spearheaded by Laois County Council, securing millions in Government funds to invest into Laois to improve life for residents, workers and visitors.
Laois County Council has been shortlisted in four categories in this year’s Excellence in Local Government Awards.
The award winning exemplary Laois Live Well Expo has again been nominated for a prize, under the Age Friendly Initiative category.
The now annual event attracted over 2,000 attendees again last April 8 when it took place in the Midlands Park Hotel. The event aims to provide clear, accessible signposting to health and wellbeing supports and services across Laois communities.
Next up for an award for Urban Revival is the Portlaoise Convent Lands project.
The landmark housing regeneration and urban renewal initiative was led by Laois County Council in partnership with Sophia Housing. The project transformed a large, historically significant town-centre site that had been approaching dereliction into a vibrant, inclusive residential quarter.
It may be third time lucky for the stunning Portlaoise town development. It was already shortlisted for the RIAI Public Choice Award and the Building Project of the Year award at the Irish Building and Design Awards.
An Abbeyleix project is shortlisted in the category of Supporting Sustainable Communities.
Called Abbeyleix: Growing a Sustainable, Inclusive Community Together, it is part of a long-standing partnership between Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, Laois County Council and local stakeholders, to deliver a wide-ranging programme focused on care for the environment, social inclusion, heritage conservation and quality of life.
Lastly, the beautifully restored Portarlington Market House is shortlisted for the Municipal District Initiative category.
The key historic town centre building is now a community and civic hub, providing public space, meeting rooms, exhibition and workshop areas, office accommodation and support facilities.
It was designed to ensure accessibility in the centre of the renovated square, enhancing town centre vitality and footfall.
Michael Rainey is Chief Executive of Laois County Council.
“We are very proud to see Laois County Council nominated in four categories in this year’s Excellence in Local Government awards.
“These nominations are a recognition of the vision, commitment and ambition of the staff of the Council to deliver meaningful and sustainable projects in partnership with communities and stakeholders throughout the county.
“We are committed to working collaboratively to deliver initiatives and campaigns across the county to ensure that Laois continues to be an attractive place to live, work and invest. I would like to commend the Laois County Council staff whose hard work and dedication is delivering positive outcomes for communities throughout the county,” Mr Rainey said.
The awards will be presented on Thursday, November 26 in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry, Dublin.
The Excellence in Local Government Awards are held by Chambers Ireland in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and sponsored by Perigus Energy.