Multi-million euro Laois community development company wants your views

Laois Partnership Company (LPC) is seeking the views and opinions of the people of Laois in forming its new strategic plan for the multi-million funded community development entity.

The Leader Fund company is asking people to fill out a short survey on their experiences of using its services, with this feedback helping LPC to better meet the needs of local communities.

In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Live, the Partnership says the survey is part of the development of a five-year strategic plan which involves consultation with the Board of Directors and subcommittees, employees, funders, local agencies and those who use the company’s supports.

In its appeal, the Portlaoise-headquartered agency explained how it helps the community.

"At the heart of LPC’s mission statement is giving individuals and groups the means to adapt and develop for themselves, empowering them to take control of the projects that will best benefit their communities. Two of the principal targets of its programmes are Social Inclusion, which helps improve areas of the county that are disadvantaged, and Rural Development, which facilitates grant aid for such projects as walking trails, innovative businesses or social enterprises. In addition, LPC provides childcare services, work placement opportunities for the unemployed, and repair and maintenance services to elderly people," said LPC.

LPC added that it is currently developing its future goals as part of the strategic plan, which is why the company wants to hear directly from people who have used its services or members of the public who may have ideas of how it can improve.

To do this, LPC is inviting service users, members of the public and stakeholders to take a few minutes to fill out a short survey.

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To incentivise feedback, anyone taking part in the service users survey is in with a chance of winning a €50 Laois Gift Card.

LPC has operated for 17 years, during which time it says it has adopted a bottom-up approach to local development with a focus on grassroots issues and responding to social needs.

Laois Partnership as a €4 million budget to deliver the LEADER 2023-2027 Programme, which is co-funded by both the EU and the Department of Rural and Community Development. Leader funds support communities and businesses across Laois to build on what they have in their local area, by overcoming social and economic challenges to protect and enhance their local environment.