WATCH: Huge boost for Portlaoise Tidy Towns from Laois credit union

People First Credit Union is thrilled to announce Portlaoise Tidy Towns as the proud recipient of the 'Community Champions Award'.

The 'Community Champions Award,' a generous €10,000 prize, was introduced to recognize and support the outstanding efforts of local volunteers within People First Credit Union's common bond area of Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Athy and Stradbally.

People First say the selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of the nominees, with Portlaoise Tidy Towns emerging as the distinguished winner among three finalists, which also included Dunamaise Beekeepers and Abbeyleix Bog Project.

The runners-up didn't walk away empty-handed however collecting surprise prizes of €2,000 each for their projects.

The announcement was made at the People First Credit Unions AGM held at the Killeshin Hotel on Tuesday, January 30 where Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager for People First Credit Union, expressed her delight in announcing the winner. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Carol Murphy (People First CU), Dan Bergin (Laois PPN), Catherine Donnellan (Secretary, Portlaoise Tidy Towns) and Vincent Booth (Chairperson Portlaoise Tidy Towns) winners of the Community Champions Award. Photo: Michael Scully

"It is with immense pleasure that we present the 'Community Champions Award' to Portlaoise Tidy Towns. Their dedication to enhancing the beauty and sustainability of our community is truly commendable," she said.

People First say Portlaoise Tidy Towns stood out for their unwavering commitment to environmental preservation, community engagement, and impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing our communal living spaces.

The credit union says the 'Community Champions Award' acknowledges and seeks to bolster the volunteer group's ongoing dedication to biodiversity. People First say this includes the implementation of a Biodiversity Walk featuring themed sculptures and informative boards, designed to educate participants on ways to contribute to their community and align with the climate action plan.

The walk, dedicated to Laois and its residents, aims to empower individuals to actively engage in fostering biodiversity.

In April 2023, Portlaoise Tidy Towns initiated their comprehensive Biodiversity Action Plan for the period 2023–2028. This plan, meticulously crafted by Dr. Fiona MacGowan, a consultant ecologist and botanist, along with landscape architect Brian Gaynor from Green Pine Consultants, serves as a guiding document. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Members of Abbeyleix Bog Project which was shortlisted for the People First Community Champions Award, with Carol Murphy & Dan Bergin.

The Biodiversity Action Plan is intended to steer the local community and stakeholders in their collective endeavors to safeguard and restore the natural heritage of Portlaoise while maximizing the benefits that nature can offer to its residents.

In her remarks at the AGM, Ms Murphy highlighted the significance of volunteerism.

"Our credit union thrives on the spirit of volunteerism, and this award is a testament to the remarkable impact that collective efforts can achieve. We believe in fostering community development and well-being, and Portlaoise Tidy Towns exemplifies these values," she said.

People First Credit Union expressed gratitude to Laois County Council, Laois Public Participation Network, and its voluntary Community Funding Committee for their unwavering support in making the 'Community Champions Award' a reality.

Applications for the next cycle of the award will open in the coming months, as the credit union continues to support local initiatives that make a positive impact.

Members of Dunamaise Beekeepers Association which was shortlisted for the People First Community Champions Award, with Carol Murphy, Dan Bergin.

For more information on People First Credit Union and updates on community initiatives, visit www.peoplefirstcu.ie/community/community-funding