Laois County Council’s Sport & Leisure Office would be delighted to assist you with the application process and are available to answer queries relating to the scheme.

Members of your organization are invited to attend an Information Session in relation to the grant scheme which will be held on

Friday, 20^th January 2012

 Portlaoise Parish Centre, Dublin Road, Portlaoise

 at 8pm.

Application and guideline forms will be available on line from the Departments website http://www.dttas.ie or maybe obtained from our office once the scheme has been announced in January 2012.

Should you wish to make an appointment or discuss further, please do not hesitate to contact the Sports Section at 057 8664007 or email us sports@laoiscoco.ie

Cordially invites you

to the

 Launch of Port’s Vision 2020 Strategic
Report

And

Portarlington Promotional Film Clip

Portarlington Community
Centre,

Link Rd., Portarlington  

On

Thursday 2^nd February 2012, at 7.30pm.



Arts Act Grants 2012

Art Act Grants Scheme  Provision has been made by Laois County Council for the payment of grants to arts organisations and individuals who meet the artistic and financial criteria set down by Laois County Council and who provide adequate information on their proposed activities.  Maximum amount payable will not exceed €1000.  

Tyrone Guthrie Residency Bursary Awards 2012

•Tyrone Guthrie Centre Bursary Scheme A Bursary is available to enable a Laois artist to spend one week working at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in County Monaghan.  The bursary is open to artists in all fields and is selected on previous achievements and project/s in hand. 
• In 2012 a special Bursary for Printmakers is available and will enable two print artists to spend a week sharing and working in the new Print Studio at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre.   One of the artists must be an experienced printmaker and preferably a member of a recognised print studio.

Artists in Schools Scheme 2012

 Artists in Schools Scheme 2012
Grants are available for artists’ residencies in schools, to include all art forms.   This scheme gives primary and post primary schools the opportunity to select and work with professional artists and explore new arts media.

Artists & Architects in Schools
Details and application forms regarding the above schemes are available on request from:  The Arts Office, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.  Telephone: 057 8674342 email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie
or can be downloaded from the website: www.laois.ie.  Closing date for receipt of completed applications is Thursday 23rd February 2012.
hould you require further details contact The Arts Office 057 8674342 or e-mail: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie

The maximum grant available will be determined based on the number of complete and valid applications received.

Criteria and Eligibility:

A committee/group must be formally constituted i.e. hold an AGM or regular meetings.

• A copy of a set of minutes (held within past 6 months) must be submitted with the application form.

• A 2012 quotation for goods/services must be submitted.

• On completion of the project before and after pictures and/or invoices must be submitted.

• Works must comply with all Local Authority Legislation.
• Groups may only apply for one Scheme, i.e. if your group avails of the Community Grant Scheme you cannot apply for funding under the Community Project Fund or Tidy Town Grants.

The application form can be downloaded from here:

Community Grants Scheme Application 2012

If you have any questions or queries please email sdonoher@laoiscoco.ie or contact Ms Siobhan Donoher on 057 867 4330.

Closing Date: The closing date for receipt of fully completed applications is Friday 17^th February 2012. Failure to submit all relevant details by the closing date will result in the application being refused. Incomplete applications will be returned.

Note: The final date for submission of the completion report, receipts and photographs is Friday the 28th September 2012. It should be noted that failure to submit the above details by this date will result in future applications being refused.

There is a charge of € 3 for using the recycling facilities but remember you can also bring all your recyclable material along. This covers a wide list including:

• Aluminium cans (eg drink cans)
• Beverage Cartons (eg juice cartons etc)
• Car Batteries
• Car Tyres (conditions apply)
• Cardboard
• Clothes/Textiles
• Engine Oil
• Fluorescent Tubes and Light Bulbs
• Gas Cylinders Glass (Clear, Green and Brown Glass - Blue Glass can go with Green Glass)
• Household Batteries (eg torch batteries)
• Household Hazardous Waste (eg paint, paint thinners, weed killers etc)
• Metal Paper Sheet Glass (eg windows)
• Newspapers and magazines
• Plastic Containers for soft and hard plastics
• Steel food cans (eg dog food tins, bean tins etc)
• Waste Electronic & Electrical Goods (WEEE Goods eg TVs, microwave ovens, fridges freezers etc).

Please ensure that items are placed in the correct container(s) to ensure they are recycled properly.  Remember to remove any bags/boxes that you brought with you.

Opening Hours from Monday 06 July 2009:

• Monday - Friday: 8am to 3.30pm
• Saturday: 8am to 1pm
• Sundays/Bank/Public Holidays: Closed

Guide to Broadband in the Midland

Recruitment for the Music Generation Co-ordinator and a panel of tutors will commence early in 2012 - see job application

Music Generation Laois’ mission is to deliver a high-quality, relevant, inclusive, integrated and sustainable music education service which is accessible to all children and young people throughout the county.

Led by Laois County Council, and building upon the success of the Laois School of Music, over the next three years Music Generation Laois will roll out a series of exciting programmes including:

Laois School of RockStampede Drumming ProjectPipe Up – an uilleann piping initiative in partnership with Na Píobairí UilleannThe Music Box – an inclusive programme designed for young musicians with special needs.

A choral singing programme

A range of access programmes through primary, secondary schools and community groups which will provide vocal and instrumental tuition and access to instrument banks.

Further developments and announcements will be made by the Arts Office in the New Year.

Muireann Ni Chonaill, Arts Office. Telephone 057-8674342 and artsoff@laoiscoco.ie

http://www.winterready.ie/

Winter Ready poster 1

Winter Ready poster 2  

 The Award includes:

A bursary of €10,000 for the residency project.  To be paid in installments. A studio with accommodation at a rent of €200 per month or a studio without accommodation for €120 per month for a one-year period. (depending on availability of apartment)  Light and heat are extra. Administrative and curatorial support through Laois County Council Arts Office. Inclusion in exhibition programmes with Laois County Council. Services offered within the complex include a studio space, exhibition space, rehearsal space, kiln, garden space, a digital room,  and library facilities. Guest Lecturing opportunity on the subject of the Award in the NCAD.

 Application forms and further information about the award are available here:
Arthouse Studio Award Application Form

Applications should be submitted not later than 12noon on Friday 27th January 2012 to the Arts Officer, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise, Co Laois.  (No email applications accepted)

Members of Laois Heritage Forum Marty Phelan MCC and Tom Cox with Chairman of LCC John Bonham MCC and Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan T.D. at County Hall for the launch of THATCH - Voices From Traditional Houses of County Laois.

“THATCH - VOICES FROM THE TRADITIONAL HOUSES OF COUNTY LAOIS” is written by Mary Ann Williams in conjunction with Bronagh Lanigan and Sinead Hughes of Architectural Recording and Research (AR&R) with illustrations by Mairtin D’Alton and photograthy by James Fraher and Alf Harvey. 

The Book was published by Laois County Council with the support of The Heritage Council and officially launched by Mr. Jimmy Deenihan T.D., Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht on Monday 21st November 2011 in Aras an Chontae, Portlaoise. 

Chairman of LCC John Bonham MCC; Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Jimmy Deenihan T.D.; County Manager Peter Carey; County Librarian Gerry Meagher;  Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council and author Mary Ann Williams at County Hall for the launch of THATCH - Voices From Traditional Houses of County Laois.

Angela McEvoy from the Heritage Office, Laois County Council says, “The Heritage Office is delighted to welcome the publication of this book, which celebrates the thatched houses of County Laois and the people who live in and look after them”. 

This book is an action of the Laois Heritage Plan 2007 – 2011 and follows on from a comprehensive survey of thatch in the county carried out in 2007. Its publication reflects the high priority given to thatch by the public in Laois and the members of the Laois Heritage Forum and Laois County Council.

Presently just 55 thatched houses survive in Laois; of that number only 34 are inhabited.  In contrast, the 1911 Census shows that in the townland of Dysartgallen alone there were 57 thatched houses. 

One hundred years ago, many people in Laois lived in thatched houses that they had made and maintained for generations. Understanding how these houses were built and who lived in them is a valuable part of the history of our county. 

The book celebrates both the thatched houses themselves and the people associated with them, past and present. The thatched houses that remain have, after all, survived because of the love, care and attention of the people in whose care they have been entrusted. “The Book is a testament to the families that were reared in these houses, and the generations who have lovingly maintained and kept them” said Ms McEvoy. This book started out being about houses and ended up being about the people who lived in them. 

Thatch is an integral part of the architectural heritage of County Laois. This book will help to ensure that thatch will remain relevant into the future. 

The Book is available to purchase for €5 from the Heritage Office or at the Cash Office, Motor Tax, County Hall, Portlaoise.  

In accordance with Section 261A(1) of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, as amended, Laois County Council hereby gives notice of its intention;

(a) to examine every quarry in its administrative area to determine, in relation to that quarry, whether having regard to theEnvironmental Impact Assessment Directive and the Habitats Directive, one ormore than one of the following was required but was not carried out—

(i) an Environmental Impact Assessment;

(ii) a determination as to whether an Environmenta Impact Assessment is required;

(iii) an Appropriate Assessment.

(b) that where the planning authority determines inrelation to a quarry that an Environmental Impact Assessment, a determinationas to whether Environmental Impact Assessment was required, or an AppropriateAssessment, was required but was not carried out and the planning authorityalso decides that—

(i) the quarry commenced operation prior to 1October 1964, or permission was granted in respect of the quarry under Part III of the Planning and Development Act 2000 or Part IV of the Local Government(Planning and Development) Act 1963, and

(ii) if applicable, the requirements in relation toregistration under section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 were fulfilled,

the planning authority will issue a notice to the owneror operator of the quarry requiring him or her to submit an application to AnBord Pleanala for substitute consent, such application to be accompanied by aRemedial Environmental Impact Statement or a Remedial Natura Impact Statement orboth of those statements, as appropriate.

(c) that where the planning authority determines inrelation to a quarry that an Environmental Impact Assessment, a determinationas to whether Environmental Impact Assessment was required, or an Appropriate Assessmentwas required, but was not carried out and the planning authority also decides that —

(i) the quarry commenced operation on or after 1October 1964 and no permission was granted in respect of the quarry under PartIII of the Planning and Development Act 2000 or Part IV of the Local Government(Planning and Development) Act 1963,or

(ii) if applicable, the requirements in relation toregistration under section 261 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 were not fulfilled,

the planning authority will issue a notice to the owner or operator of the quarry informing him or her that it intends to issuean enforcement notice under Section 154 requiring the cessation of the operation of the quarry and the taking of such steps as the planning authority considers appropriate.

(d) that where the planning authority determines inrelation to a quarry that an Environmental Impact Assessment, a determinationas to whether an Environmental Impact Assessment was required, or anAppropriate Assessment, was required but was not carried out and the planningauthority also determines that the development in question was carried outafter 3 July 2008, the planning authority will issue a notice to the owner oroperator of the quarry informing him or her that it intends to issue

an enforcement notice under Section 154 requiring the cessation of the operation of the quarry and the taking of such steps as the planning authority considers appropriate.

(e) that submissions or observations may be made inwriting to the planning authority in relation to any quarry in itsadministrative area, by any person, not later than 6 weeks after the date ofthe publication of the notice under paragraph (a), that no fee in relation tothe making of the submissions or observations shall be payable and that suchsubmissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority,

(f) that a copy of any notice that is issued to theowner or operator of a quarry under this section, directing him or her to apply to An Bord Pleanala for substitute consent or informing him or her that theplanning authority intends to issue an enforcement notice under Section 154 inrespect of the quarry, shall be given to a person who, not later than 6 weeksafter the date of the publication of the notice under paragraph (a) made submissions or observations, and

(g) that an owner or operator of a quarry to whom anotice is issued, and any person to whom a copy of such a notice is given, may apply to An Bord Pleanala for a review of a determination or a decision, orboth, of the planning authority referred to in the notice and that no fee inrelation to the application for a review shall be payable.

Submissions or observations regarding any quarry shall include the name and contact details of the person makingthe submission or observation and shall be receivedby the Planning Department, Laois County Council, Áras An Chontae, J.F.L Avenue, Portlaoise, Co. Laois by 4pm on Thursday, January 12th, 2012. Submissions can be emailed here planning@laoiscoco.ie not later than 4pm on Thursday, January, 12th, 2012.

Signed: John Daly

Director of Services

Planning and Environment.

Dated: 23rd November, 2011.

Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan T.D., along with Co-operation Ireland Chairman Christopher Moran and Pride of Place Committee Chairman Tom Dowling presented the group with their award.

Winning in Category Five, for populations greater than 2000, the judges said;

“This is a marvellous community. It caters for all that a community would be proud to cater for. The presentations were excellent and the tour confirmed the heightened expectations of the judges. The town with its stunning architectural heritage looked wonderful and there was compelling evidence of great synergy between the organisations on the day. With all its facilities and positive approach by the community this is an example to all bypass towns”.

During the evening, the Minister paid tribute to all the participating groups who work tirelessly to create and promote pride in their cities, towns and villages.

The All-Island Pride of Place Competition recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It differs from other similar projects in that they specifically recognise the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration including, promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage and environmental awareness.

The Competition is run by Co-operation Ireland in conjunction with the Pride of Place Steering Committee. Peter Sheridan Chief Executive of Co-operation Ireland said:

“I congratulate all the winners of this year’s Pride of Place Awards. The accolade is recognition of the commitment and hard work groups undertake for the good of their local community. Although there can only be one winner in each category, this Awards Ceremony is an occasion to acknowledge the efforts of all groups, throughout the island, who were nominated by their local authority. In effect getting to this point is success in itself”.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. John Bonham, Chairman of Laois County Development Board, Cllr. John Moran and Mr. Peter Carey, County Manager congratulated all of the entrants and the prize-winners on their success in this year’s competition and thanked them for representing Laois so well at national level.

The project was funded by the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and the project was managed by Laois County Council.  Consulting Engineers for the Scheme were RPS, based in Dun Laoghaire.  Contractors on the Scheme were Murphy International Ltd., who constructed the new network for the town, and AECOM, who constructed the new wastewater treatment plant. 

The award is for the management of a public wastewater treatment facility or collection/distribution system that demonstrates excellence in the performance of environmental infrastructure in terms of value for money, treatment performance and waste prevention.

 
Photo: l to r; Garry Gibson, (RPS), Jerry Grant (RPS), Philip McVeigh, Project Manager, Laois Co. Co., Pat White (Aecom), Terry Gillespie, Senior Resident Engineer, Laois Co. Co., Bill Byrne (Murphy International)

Notice is hereby given that Laois County Council has furnished Further information to An Bord Pleanála regarding its application for approval for the upgrading of the Wastewater Treatment Plant at Mountmellick, Phases 2 & 3.

Environmental Impact Statement - Mountmellick
Appropriate Assessment - Mountmellick

Further Information - Mountmellick
MMSS2 Letter to ABP

Mountmellick Existitng Sewer Network
 

Please take 5 minutes this week to check your smoke alarm is working and that your family knows what to do in the event of a fire.

The harsh winters of 2010 and 2011 contributed to a much higher rate of fire deaths during the cold spells, so we’re particularly urging people to pay particular attention to fire safety this year. We would also ask family or neighbours of people living on their own to check that they have working smoke alarms.

We will be hosting open nights at all of our fire Stations during the week on the following dates:

Monday 3^rd October

7.00 pm to 9.00 pm Portarlington

7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Portlaoise

7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Abbeyleix

7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Durrow

7.30 pm to 9.30 pm Rathdowney

Tuesday 4^th October

7.00 pm to 9.00 pm Mountmellick

Thursday 6^th October

8.00 pm to 10.00 pm Mountrath

Visitors will be able to chat to our firefighters, see our vehicles and  find out more about fire safety. Weather permitting, there will also be firefighting and rescue demonstrations.

There is lots of information to be found at www.firesafetyweek.ie and you can also see the Laois County Fire & Rescue Service page on Facebook.

This is an excellent opportunity for single buyers and families to buy in these supremely well-located developments.

Portlaoise:

Maryborough Village - 3 Bed Semi-Detached €89,000

For further details contact our Housing Section:

Ciara:  057 86 64123

The draft Plan will present a draft vision and strategy for the future sustainable development of Abbeyleix. After the meeting, the draft Plan will be on display until 29th April 2011 and submissions on the draft are invited.

Submissions should be addressed to:
Loci, 1 Butlers Court, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Phone: 01 8814062, Email: info@loci.ie

The Abbeyleix Sustainable Communities Plan is a project of Laois County Council
with the support of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government

Closing Date for pre-draft Submissions to the Joint Spatial Plan is 4pm, May 24, 2011

Public Notice for Joint Plan

Issues Paper for Graiguecullen

We are therefore not accepting any grant applications in this respect and will advise further if any new schemes are brought forward in the future.    Please Contact Rosa Bray 057-86-64107

Laois Community Forum wishes to celebrate

The major contribution made by

Community/voluntary organisations in County Laois

Nomination Forms are now available for

Community & Voluntary Awards 2011

Nominations can be made in the following categories:

Arts & Culture
Children & Young People
Heritage & Environment
Sport & Leisure
Community Services & Support

Overall Cash Prize Fund available across 5 categories

You can also make an individual nomination for an Unsung Hero Award for outstanding contribution by one person to community/voluntary life in their local area and/or the wider community in Co. Laois.

Nomination forms and further information on terms & conditions can be downloaded from www.laoiscommunityforum.ie, by contacting Ms. Georgina Ireland at (057) 8674336 or by email at LaoisCommunityForum@laoiscoco.ie.

This initiative is a joint collaboration between Laois Community Forum, Laois Sports Partnership and the Heritage Office of Laois County Council.

 http://www.dunamaise.ie/news/dance-at-dunamaise.html

The residency will allow the artist to develop her
practice around participatory modes of choreography through research and
interaction with a wider community of dancers and musicians. The artist will
work with targeted groups and individuals from a variety of ethnic backgrounds
and is particularly interested in how a collective cultural identity can be
established through the exploratory process of movement and making. This
exploration follows on from the her experience with Unlaois’d Youth Dance Company
where the artist has identified unique movement, expression and collaborative
processes as a direct result of cultural diversity within the group.

Between now and Christmas Cathy is working towards a Dance
Symposium that will bring all community dance projects together for the first
time. In January the artist will establish a dance collective made up of
members of the Midlands dance community with a
view to a full-scale public performance in the Dunamaise Arts Centre.

‘There is an expected aesthetic that comes with a
professional dance performance. It is often refreshing, surprising and
disarming to encounter community dance in a professional context. In fact these
performances can resonate with audiences in a way that professional dance often
fails to. What I’m interested in is the way an audience engages differently
with the work when the performers are ‘real’ and/or known to the viewer.’

Cathy Coughlan

Contact the library if you are interested in speaking to him about his work

Mountmellick Library 057 8644572

More information about the artist can be found on his website www.tomasartist.com