There was a fantastic turnout for the first ever meeting of Laois' Bat Conservation Group at Portlaoise Library earlier this month. Members of the public, local volunteers, and biodiversity advocates gathered to learn more about the county’s bat populations and the ongoing efforts to protect them. The meeting was hosted by Laois County Council Biodiversity Officer, Lisa Doyle and Anna Coombe from Bat Conservation Ireland. Lisa Doyle described the event as a "resounding success", with attendees showing their keen interest in future projects. Photographer Alf Harvey went along to the fascinating event and captured these photos. Isabel Carr, Emma Kelly, Mary Aherne and Lisa Doyle (Biodiversity Officer). Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

placeholder image — There was a fantastic turnout for the first ever meeting of Laois' Bat Conservation Group at Portlaoise Library earlier this month. Members of the public, local volunteers, and biodiversity advocates gathered to learn more about the county’s bat populations and the ongoing efforts to protect them. The meeting was hosted by Laois County Council Biodiversity Officer, Lisa Doyle and Anna Coombe from Bat Conservation Ireland. Lisa Doyle described the event as a "resounding success", with attendees showing their keen interest in future projects. Photographer Alf Harvey went along to the fascinating event and captured these photos. Isabel Carr, Emma Kelly, Mary Aherne and Lisa Doyle (Biodiversity Officer). Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

PICTURES: Laois nature enthusiasts gather for county's first ever Bat Group

By Sandra Malone

Reporter

Published 25th Feb 2026, 10:55 BST

The inaugural meeting of the group was held on Thursday, February 12

John Lynch, Clifford Reid and Cyril Cuddy.

1.

John Lynch, Clifford Reid and Cyril Cuddy.

Marian Whyte, Mary Hegarty from Historic Houses of Ireland, and Killian Brennan.

2.

Marian Whyte, Mary Hegarty from Historic Houses of Ireland, and Killian Brennan.

Vanessa Moore and Rosie Fitzpatrick.

3.

Vanessa Moore and Rosie Fitzpatrick.

Ariella Murphy and Bailey O’Hanlon.

4.

Ariella Murphy and Bailey O’Hanlon.

Laois Portlaoise Laois County Council Environment