Think Green - Please Recycle this newsletter after use OUROUR COUNTY COUNTY Deireadh Fómhair 2009 Ibpáirt leis an bPobal Eagrán 15 www.laois.ie Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland Award for Abbeyleix Library Laois County Council was honoured recently when one of issued to its borrowers in the first year and some 1,800 its public buildings, Abbeyleix Library, was bestowed with people have also attended the 140 various events held so the prestigious Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland far in the library. The art gallery, which is incorporated Award for the best Conservation/Restoration building of into the design of the building, has hosted numerous 2009. Mr John Gormley, Minister for the Environment, exhibitions throughout the year and has become a very Heritage and Local Government, who also officially popular space with local artists who wish to exhibit there. opened the library in June, 2008, presented County The gallery supplements wonderfully the overall ethos Manager Peter Carey with the award at the function held behind any library, which is that of expanding the cultural in Farmleigh House. viewpoint of the community. The library has been a tremendous success in its first Through the renovation and restoration of Abbeyleix year. The stock range consists of an eclectic mix of over Library, Laois County Council has raised the bar very 22,000 items to cater for all ranges of age and taste. high in terms of the standard and quality of public Over 1,700 members have joined and the library has buildings in Ireland - a feat that the entire organisation received over 40,000 visits. Over 45,000 items were should be extremely proud of. Abbeyleix Library Opening Hours Tues: 10.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. Wed: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Thurs: 10.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. Fri: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Sat: 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Message from the Cathaoirleach and County Manager We are delighted to welcome the outgoing Council. While the the publication of the 2009 term of the Council coincided with edition of the ‘Our County’ a period of significant develop- newsletter, which provides us ment in County Laois, the financial with an opportunity to reflect benefits which accrued to the on the progress made by Laois Council have been used to fund County Council over the past many key infrastructural and year. amenity projects throughout the county. Our commitment to a customer-centred approach to Examples include: service provision was enhanced by the opening of the new Area • Civic Plaza, Portlaoise Cllr James Daly, Office in Portarlington in • Portarlington and Portlaoise Peter Carey, Cathaoirleach. December, 2008. During the past Leisure Centres County Manager. year we also opened a new Fire • Abbeyleix, Durrow Station and Recycling Centre in Portarlington. The Council and Mountmellick Libraries continues to contribute positively to the quality of life of our • Playgrounds at Mountmellick, Durrow, Portarlington, communities through the successful operation of leisure Stradbally, Clonaslee and Portlaoise complexes in Portarlington and Portlaoise and the continuation • Slieve Bloom Amenity, Linear Walk Portlaoise and of the playground and Libraries programme. The Swan Mini-pitch • Road construction and improvement works Laois County Council was also involved during the year in the throughout the county organisation and promotion of events such as the Rose of • Footpaths, parking facilities and traffic calming Tralee Regional Finals, Magnet Festival, Electric Picnic and schemes Gordon Bennett Rally. As well as enhancing the profile of the • Portlaoise Main Drainage Scheme, Portarlington county, the hosting of such major festivals impacts positively on Water Supply and many more water and waste water the local economy. schemes around the county This is the first edition of the newsletter following the election of We would like to thank all the elected members of the Council a new Council in June, 2009 and we would like to welcome the for their support and commitment over the past year. We also newly elected members of the Council. We would also like to thank our dedicated staff for their ongoing efforts to provide the take this opportunity to thank the outgoing Members for their best possible service to our customers. We acknowledge the hard work and dedication over the years and to wish them well work of the business sector and community organisations in their future endeavours. throughout the county and despite the difficult times that lie ahead, we offer assurance of the Council’s ongoing support for The term of office of the new Council commences at a time of the development and improvement of County Laois. major financial upheaval, at both national and local level. While there are difficult times ahead and difficult decisions to be The challenge facing the Council is to continue to provide made, we are confident that the Council can meet whatever leadership in the promotion and development of the social, challenges may arise. economic and cultural life of the county, despite the changed economic circumstances. We are confident that Laois County It is also relevant at this time to reflect on the achievements of Council is ready to meet the challenge. Áras an Chontae on Target for Climate Change Following a number of energy saving initiatives, Áras an Chontae energy usage has decreased by 11% in 2009 compared to 2008. This is significantly better than the annual 3% target set out in the National Climate Change Strategy. The measures have included replacement of Halogen lights with ultra energy efficient LEDs, car park lighting reduction, reduction in unnecessary indoor lighting, PC shutdowns, etc. At current levels, the energy reduction should improve our Building Energy Rating Certificate from an E1 to a D2. Staff awareness and co-operation will help ensure that we continue to make savings and continue to achieve our Climate Change targets. A Hybrid Street Light was installed at Áras an Chontae by Portlaoise Enterprise Centre based Advanced Renewable Energy Ireland LTD (ARE). ARE’s product collects solar and wind energy to power the standard street light fitting. In this case, the ultra low energy LED technologies have been installed, so that ultimately, this one lamp will be capable of powering up to 3 LED flood lights and making the car park totally self sufficient. This pilot project will help assess the suitability of renewable energy lighting systems that may reduce Public Lighting operating costs. Printed on Recycled Paper - Our County - Page 2 Knockmay Development Project Laois County Council is engaged in a multi-million euro elected two members of the local community, Patrice Doheny- re-development of the Knockmay area of Portlaoise. The area Dunne and Mary Burns, to represent their interests on various consists of six local authority housing estates built and committees associated with the project. Aidan McCane, Tenant occupied over a seventeen year period from 1980 to 1997. Liaison Officer, may be contacted on (057) 8680626 with queries about the Community Forum. Works include refurbishment of existing properties; construction of new properties and designing out features Laois County Council, in partnership with the Community, is which contribute to anti-community behaviour, such as commencing work on the Knockmay Community Building. The alleyways and vacant land. building will comprise a shop, a Community Crèche, a Health Clinic, Laois County Council offices and the Knockmay The estates are being tackled in order of construction with the Community and Family Resource Centre. Construction of the oldest, Oakleaf Place, being first. Work commenced in Oakleaf building is expected to commence towards the end of 2009 and Place in May, 2008, and will be completed by the end of 2009. will take approximately 18 months. It is anticipated that work will commence in two further estates within the next three years. The project is funded by the The building will provide local delivery of services, improve the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local security of the area and enhance the physical environment. Government. The building is jointly funded by Laois County Council, The Family Support Agency, Pobal, The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the H.S.E. Another vital element of the Project is the Community Forum. The Forum was established in September, 2008, and meets on a quarterly basis. The Forum, which is independently Chaired, provides the residents with a space to discuss issues of importance with Laois County Council and the other statutory Further information about the project may be obtained from and voluntary service providers. In January, 2009, the Forum the Project Manager, Sarah Dunne, at (057) 8672580. Portarlington Fire Station The new Portarlington Fire Station was officially opened by An This new state of the art facility replaces the old fire station Cathaoirleach, James Daly M.C.C., on 25th June, 2009. which was built in the 1950’s. Included in this new facility are: Portarlington Fire Station is one of eight stations which provide • 2 appliance bays the fire brigade service for Laois County Fire & Rescue Service • A lecture room throughout County Laois as well as covering part of County • A drill yard with hydrants and underground Offaly adjoining Portarlington. storage tanks for hose drills. • Drill tower for ladder and rescue drill • Compressor for refilling breathing apparatus cylinders • Drying facilities for protective clothing • Station and toilet facilities FIRE SAFETY AT HOME Fires happen and unfortunately some can have fatal consequences. The majority of fire related deaths in Ireland occur in the home. Having a working smoke alarm in your home could save your life. The construction of the station was funded by the Department Please make sure that your home has a working of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.