Remarkable Laois Tidy Towns efforts celebrated by Council

Laois County Council has congratulated Laois Tidy Towns groups on their "remarkable" efforts in the annual awards.

The Council says the SuperValu Tidy Towns Awards ceremony, held at Croke Park on Friday, November 1, celebrated the exceptional efforts of communities nationwide in enhancing their local environments.

The Council praised Laois Tidy Towns for distinguishing themselves with remarkable achievements, reflecting their dedication to environmental sustainability and community spirit.

The Council says that Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, the outgoing champions after an impressive reign, were honoured once again with County First Place and a Gold Medal.

"Their continued excellence and unwavering commitment to enhancing the local environment have set a high standard, and their transition from champions to torchbearers of community pride highlights their lasting impact," said a statement.

Durrow Tidy Towns was also praised for securing the County Second Place along with a Silver Medal, while Portlaoise Tidy Towns earned achieved County Third Place while also earning a Gold Medal in their population category.

Portlaoise further distinguished itself by winning a Gold Medal and the National Tree Project Award, an initiative that values the positive influence of trees on the overall ambience of a town or village. The Council said this award acknowledged Portlaoise's exemplary efforts in enhancing greenery and contributing to a more serene and beautiful environment. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Portlaoise Towns members Noel Conroy, Catherine Donlon (Secretary) and Vincent Booth (Chairperson) pictured at County Hall with Patricia O'Rourke (Laois Co Council).

Durrow Tidy Towns won a Silver Medal and received the Waters and Communities Special Award, sponsored by Inland Fisheries Ireland, Waterways Ireland, and the Local Authority Waters Programme. This award aims to encourage communities to become more involved with their local water bodies by helping to preserve, promote, and fully utilise their local natural heritage. Durrow's commitment to preserving local waterways and ecosystems exemplifies this initiative's objectives. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Durrow Towns members - Emer O'Brien (Secretar), Kathleen Flynn, Tom Flynn and Fred Townsend with Patricia O'Rourke (Laois Co Council). 

Killeshin Tidy Towns was honoured with the Endeavour Award, which recognises the most significant improvement by an entrant in each county from the previous year. The Council says this accolade highlights Killeshin's substantial progress and dedication to community-driven environmental enhancement.

The local authority added that the success of these community groups is supported by the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns, a unique organisation specific to the county that fosters collaboration, mentorship, and resource-sharing among Laois’s Tidy Towns groups. The council says the federation plays a crucial role in strengthening environmental initiatives within the county.

Laois County Council organised transportation, providing a bus to Croke Park for attendees. 

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and passion that our Tidy Towns groups invest in improving their communities,” said Donal Brennan, Director of Services.

“These awards are a testament to their perseverance and the strong sense of community that thrives in Laois, supported by the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns and by Laois County Council.” MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns members with Patricia O'Rourke.

Simon Walton, Interim Chief Executive of Laois County Council, commented on what has been achieved.

“The collective efforts of our Tidy Towns groups not only enhance the quality of our County, but they also foster a sense of pride and unity. Whilst award winners are rightly commended, it is of note that County Laois had 24 entrants in Tidy Towns 2024. The efforts of all Tidy Towns Groups, individually and collectively, is of significant value to the County. Tidy Towns Groups support local enhancement and pride of place and Laois County Council is committed to supporting the Groups in their endeavours.”

The Council said these accolades underscore the relentless efforts of these communities in in transforming and elevating their surroundings.