Volunteer AIB bankers invest in Laois future in Ireland's Tidiest Town

Energetic and enthusiastic employees of AIB took up garden shears to clip grass and weeds from a native pocket forest in Gort na Noir in Abbeyleix.

Laois Volunteer Centre organised this innovative environmental project in conjunction with the Balladine NeighbourWood Project in Abbeyleix.

The NeighbourWood Project aims to transform a formerly unmanaged site into a landscaped space to deliver recreation and amenity, native woodland habitat and a carbon sink in the heart of Abbeyleix. This project is being led by the committed and hardworking residents in Corrán na n-Óir, Gort na n-Óir, Slí na n-Óir, Balladine Heights and Balladine Drive in conjunction with Abbeyleix Tidy Towns and Laois County Council.

Niall Grogan, Regional Director, AIB Mid East Region spoke about contributing to project via the corporate volunteering day that was co-ordinated by Laois Volunteer Centre and facilitated by Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.

“AIB is committed to ensuring a greener tomorrow by backing those building it today, and so the team of Branch Managers in AIB Mid East was delighted to support Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.

“We all felt proud to help an organisation like Abbeyleix Tidy Towns which does fantastic work for the local community. Thank you to Caitriona Ryan and Emer Boyle at Laois Volunteer Centre for organising this event," he said. 

Mark Clancy of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns was also pleased with the project.

“We are incredibly grateful to the staff from Laois Volunteer Centre and the dedicated group of volunteers from AIB for their hard work in helping to nurture our NeighbourWood in Abbeyleix.

"Their commitment and enthusiasm have made a real difference in ensuring the young trees thrive. We also want to extend our thanks to Wellington, Anderson, and the generous team at Mueller & O’Connell for providing pizza to fuel the volunteers. It’s community efforts like these that strengthen our shared vision for a greener and more sustainable future.

“This corporate volunteering event was very successful. Everyone enjoyed the day, had some fun and helped support this important and unique project,” said Caitriona Ryan, Manager of Laois Volunteer Centre.

"It was organised as part of our corporate volunteer programme whereby we facilitate business organisations to provide group volunteering opportunities for their employees," she said.

For more information on all your volunteering needs, contact Caitriona on info@volunteerlaois.ie or www.volunteerlaois.ie