Laois Community & Voluntary Awards Best Kept Residential Estate 2023 #laoisawards

Hawthorn Drive Residents Association in Portlaoise won the new Best Kept Residential Estate at the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2023.

Judging this category, Ms Bridie Costello Hynes of Offaly Public Participation Network commended the extremely high quality of the entrants making it a challenging and difficult job to pick a winner. She commended all estates for their hard work and dedication to enhancing their areas and providing beautiful surroundings for all in each estate to enjoy.

The Chief Executive of Laois County Council John Mulholland presented the winner with a Galway Crystal Plate and prize money of €500.

The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Cllr Paschal McEvoy presented the runner-up prize of  €250 in this category to St Canice's Terrace Residents Association. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The following is the full list of nominees in the section who also received Certificates of Achievement for their contribution to their communities.

• Clonaslee Tidy Towns
• Hillview Residents Group
• Laois Volunteer Centre (Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project Group)
• Hawthorn Drive Resident's Association
• Rossdarragh – Rathevan Residents Association
• St. Canice’s Terrace Residents Association
• Twomey Park, Mountmellick
• Pattison Estate, Mountmellick
• Silverwood (Kirwan Park), Mountmellick

The Best Kept Residential Estate award recognises the hard work and dedication shown in residential estates throughout Laois, the great pride people have in their own communities, the value of our biodiversity and how groups continue to put in a huge effort, on behalf of the places where they live. This award is sponsored by People First Credit Union.

The award, which was sponsored by People First Credit Union, was presented with the award at a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel on Friday, November 3.  

This is the 14th year of the awards which were hosted by Laois County Council in association with Laois Public Participation Network and sponsored by People First Credit Union.

The following are the nominee profiles for the Best Kept Residential Estate: 

Clonaslee Tidy Towns: Clonaslee Tidy Towns is in existence for over 60 years whose aim is to target their local community to keep Clonaslee neat and tidy for all their residents and visitors alike. Clonaslee Tidy Towns work tremendously hard every Tuesday and Thursday evening from April- September in looking after their village. Their hardworking committee ranges in ages from 25- 90years of age and all work together for the one outcome - to look after Clonaslee Village. They collaborate well with local organisations and Laois County Council and all its departments.

Hillview Residents Group: Residents Group made up of residents from Hillview Drive and Portlaoise FRC.  Hillview Residents Group maintain the green area, flowerbeds and develop the expansion of the flower displays in the estate. Hillview Residents group continue to expand the areas for flower displays and this year have added additional flower boxes and flower beds and a bench for community members to sit and chat. They maintain the green area so that children have a safe play area and are always available to other local residents’ groups for advice and support. over the last 2 years the community environment has changed so much.

Laois Volunteer Centre (Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project Group): Laois Volunteers Group have helped restore Garden at Sue Ryder Ballyroan, they put together a group of volunteers (40+) for Sue Ryder Garden Makeover Project sourcing local volunteers and businesses who donated equipment, products, and services for the project. Laois Volunteer recruited a Volunteer Garden Advisor for the residents of Sue Ryder Ballyroan. This volunteer will empower the residents to harness the therapeutic benefits of gardening while imparting valuable knowledge and skill, this role will be instrumental in promoting their mental and physical well -being while creating a vibrant and nurturing environment for all to enjoy.

Hawthorn Drive Residents Association: The Hawthorn Drive Residents Association regularly organise clean up days and encourage people to clean outside their own houses etc… They have two major objectives for the coming year.  Firstly, they hope to set up a ‘wildflower’ and bio-diversity area in the green area of the estate.  Secondly, they are in the process of raising funds to replace the number signs throughout their estate.  They hope that the design and materials used in the estate will not just be tastefully completed but will also be environmentally friendly made.

Rossdarragh – Rathevan Residents Association: The Rossdarragh – Rathevan Residents Association is representative of all residents of its estates, made up of 244 households. The residents of Rossdarragh and Rathevan take huge pride in their estate and make a great effort to maintain the area. The substantial green areas are regularly cut between March and September. The Residents Association members take a pro-active approach to ensure the upkeep of the estate by identifying issues in the estate and taking steps to address the issues. Members regularly take a walk around the entire estate to ensure that road signs are undamaged and facing in the correct direction, paths are in good condition, walls are in good repair and that hedges are well maintained. The members work tirelessly to try to remedy any issues, including regular contact with Laois County Council where required, and prioritising funds and shopping around to find the most cost-effective means to keep the estate in pristine condition.

St. Canice’s Terrace Residents Association: The group members ages varied from school age children to retired residents. They work together to improve community facilities, enhance the appearance of their area. They focus on how to care and support their community and holding events. Activities include planting, weeding and water flower beds, hanging baskets, power wash, paint railings, benches, and keep hedges trimmed.

Pattison Estate, Mountmellick: Pattison Estate is 84 houses including maisonettes, opened 1979. This area is an example to what can be achieved when people work together to making their area welcome at all times. Very well laid out, litter free and no dog fouling, overall appearance, very well maintained, young and old blend in together.

Twomey Park, Mountmellick: 32 houses and 4 maisonettes opened 1972, well-kept estate. Small committee not the upkeep 34 tubes, lovely floral display, appearance of all the properties showcase this estate. This area is an example to other areas of what can be achieved with a few volunteers.

Silverwood (Kirwan Park), Mountmellick: Private estate 65 houses opened 2003, part of a very large area but blends in well with upkeep etc.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live is honoured to be the media partner.