'Be bold' Dr Eddie Murphy launches new Laois Partnership headquarters

Operation Transformation psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy was special guest at the launch of Laois Partnership Company's first ever central headquarters this week.

Dr Eddie urged the 40 staff to "be bold" and "aim high" in their ambitions, suggesting that Laois could become a 'blue zone' for healthy living.

"Laois Partnership is the meat in the sandwich between EU funding and communities. I was once in this building as a trainee psychologist with St Francis School. A place of learning and support for vulnerable people, Laois Partnership has come home, offering support to Laois communities, with €50 million spent since it began," he said.

The HQ is the former St Francis Special School on the New Road in Portlaoise, once described as "not fit for purpose" but now renovated at a cost of €300,000 including a new heating system and windows. Roof insulation and solar panels are planned.

It means that LPC staff are working under the one roof for the first time, delivering a dozen programmes including LEADER, Tús, Fáilte Isteach and community childcare.

Laois Partnership Company Chairman Peter O'Neill and CEO Caroline Lydon with staff at the official opening. 

It has a new CEO Caroline Lydon who described a difficult few years for the company, with the sad death of the previous CEO Anne Goodwin while still in her post, and the advent of Covid restrictions.

"I hope to do justice to the role she commenced," she said.

A beautiful wooden plaque was unveiled in Ms Goodwin's memory, created by Mountrath Men's Shed, inscribed with a line from The Parting Glass, a special song for her.

Peter O'Neill with Rodney Goodwin.

"I am very touched by it, the fact that it is handcrafted, it's lovely," her husband Rodney told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

LPC Chairman Peter O'Neill paid tribute to Anne Goodwin.

"We lost one of our most capable, knowledgeable leaders, who passionately cared about her work. None of this would have been possible without her leadership and drive over 22 years. This work will be a legacy of all she strove for," he said.

He also announced at the launch that he will be stepping down shortly after his seven year stint.

He said that along with the €50 million channelled into Laois over the years of Laois Partnership, a second €50 million was secured through LEADER and the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP).

"We work for the benefit of Laois, it's all about what we can do to support Laois. We are a conduit to get the finance," he said.

Mr O'Neill adds that the building will host a homework club for 24 pupils who will be walked by staff through the park from the nearby schools in Summerhill and Aghnaharna, growing to possibly 36 children in time.

The building was blessed by Portlaoise Parish Priest Monsignor John Byrne and Rev Janet Finlay. It remains owned by the parish, on a long term lease to Laois Partnership Company. 

"I was in pain for 14 years" - Laois woman talks about "miracle" op in Spain paid for by HSE

"For so many years this was a place of care and that will continue. Your work will assist communities through the county of Laois and those living in disadvantaged areas," he said.

Music was provided by the Laois Men’s Shed Choir, of members from Mountmellick, Portlaoise, Rathdowney and Mountrath.

An official open day will be held next spring for the community to attend.