Think Green - Please Recycle this newsletter after use OUROUR COUNTY COUNTY www.laois.ie Deireadh Fómhair 2008 I bpáirt leis an bPobal Eagrán 14 New Libraries for Durrow and Abbeyleix Durrow Library enjoyed discovering the many features of the library, including the eye-catching spiral staircase (pictured above) and children’s story- On 10th June, 2008, Irish telling area. The library boasts three storeys filled with newly author Deirdre Purcell expanded book stock along with 13 new computers providing for officially opened the new public internet access. It comprises of an area of 380 m2 and is library in Durrow’s renovated open to the public for a total of 39 hours per week; including two late Courthouse. evenings and Saturday opening. As of the 31st July, 2008, 11,000 people had visited the library, while the number of books and other The building is a welcome items issued to the public amounted to 8,370 for the same period. addition to the town as it will also act as a meeting place Minister Gormley expressed his confidence in the library service as for community groups when an extremely important part of community life, a statement which is the library is closed. endorsed by the fact that there are already over 900 registered Services now include internet and photocopying facilities and the members using the library. This project has made an important library hosts a fabulous new selection of adult and juvenile books, all contribution to the architectural and civic heritage of Abbeyleix and of which are proving very popular with the local community. has the capacity to operate as a significant local amenity to local residents for many years to come. For further information contact Abbeyleix Library Laura Brett at (057) 8730020 Durrow Opening Hours The new public library in Abbeyleix was officially Mon: 1.00 p.m. – 4pm & 6.00 p.m – 8.00 p.m. opened by Minister for Wed: 1.00 p.m. – 4pm & 6.00 p.m – 8.00 p.m. Fri: 10.30 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. Environment, Heritage & Sat: 11.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. Local Government, John Gormley T.D. on 11th Abbeyleix Opening Hours June, 2008. The refur- bished library, designed Tues: 10.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. by de Blacam & Wed: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. Meagher Architects, is Thurs: 10.00 a.m. – 7.30 p.m. Fri: 10.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. situated in the renovated Sat: 10.00 a.m. – 4.00 p.m. Market House which was built in 1836 by Viscount John de Vesci. A large number of people attended the opening reception and Printed on Recycled paper Our County Message from the Message from the Cathaoirleach County Manager As Cathaoirleach of Laois Once again, I am delighted County Council, I am pleased to welcome the publication to be associated with the 2008 of 'Our County' which edition of the 'Our County' provides us with an opportu- newsletter. nity to reflect on the progress made by Laois Laois County Council County Council over the continues to provide past year. Significant leadership in the promotion progress has been made on and development of the major infrastructural proj- social, economic and cultural ects such as the M7/M8, life of the county and this Portlaoise Main Drainage newsletter provides an opportunity to update the people of Scheme, Portlaoise Orbital Route, the Civic Plaza and other projects. the county on the progress being made on social and infrastructural projects. Furthermore, the Council has contributed very positively to the quality of life of our citizens through the successful The Council provides a wide range of services for the completion of two major leisure complexes in Portarlington benefit of all the citizens of the county and I would like to and Portlaoise and the continuation of the playground acknowledge the hard work of my fellow elected members programme. In addition, new libraries have been completed and all the staff in delivering these services. in Durrow and Abbeyleix with a further project due to commence in Mountmellick. The Council has pursued a In carrying out its functions, the goal of the Council is to citizen-centred approach to services and this has resulted in provide services to the highest standards for all of the new area offices in population centres such as people in County Laois and I look forward to working towards Graiguecullen and Portarlington. Great strides have been achieving this in co-operation with the County Manager and made in the whole area of social inclusion with many new his staff and my fellow Councillors. initiatives. Major progress has also been achieved in tourism with events such as the World Fleadh, Electric I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and if you want to Picnic, Gordon Bennett Rally, Rose of Tralee Regional get more information on the Council or its services, please Finals and other festivals. The Council is also seeking to log on to our website at www.laois.ie. stimulate indigenous industry through the provision of enterprise centres and opportunity sites at various locations Cllr Tom Jacob, in the County. Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council I wish to thank the elected members of the Council for their ongoing support and co-operation. I also want to thank all Cllr Tom Jacob was elected as Cathaoirleach of Laois the Council staff for their dedication and commitment to County Council at the Annual General Meeting of Laois improving the services we provide. Finally, I wish to County Council held on 30th June, 2008 and Cllr John acknowledge the valuable work of the business and Bonham was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach. community sectors and to assure everyone of our ongoing support to improve and develop County Laois over the Also at their June meetings, Cllr Willie Aird was elected as coming years. Mayor of Portlaoise Town Council, Cllr Brian Stanley was elected Deputy Mayor and in Mountmellick Town Council, We hope you enjoy this publication of 'Our County' and the Cllr Denis O'Meara was elected Cathaoirlech and Cllr Joe information it provides. Melia was elected Leas-Cathaoirleach. Peter Carey County Manager Laois County Council - Building Sustainable Communities Housing Developments Errill The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr John Moran officially opened a new development in Errill Village known as St. Kierans on 23rd June, 2008. This project, which consists of 10 social houses and 4 affordable houses and cost €1.98 million, is a great advancement for the community of Errill. The contract for this scheme was signed on 23rd December, 2005 and work commenced shortly thereafter. Knockmay On 26th May, 2008, contracts were signed with Carroll O’Keeffe Builders for Phase I of Knockmay Regeneration, designed by Evelyn Duff Architects. This phase will see an extensive refurbishment of Oakleaf Place Housing Estate being carried out and the contract price is over €5 million. Phase II of this project will consist of a community building and when finished will comprise a community centre, childcare facility and meeting rooms. It is intended to be a one stop shop for social and community services for the wider community. Our County Printed on Recycled paper Laois International Golf Challenge in well wishers. A number of local pubs officially ‘twinned’ with the Roses which gave everyone a base for the families and friends. Association with 4 Aces Wholesale There was also a Reception held at Áras an Chontae where Cathaoirleach Cllr John Moran welcomed the Roses and the The Laois International Golf Challenge 2008 took place from 19th to festival to County Laois. Local girl, Heather Fogarty, serenaded the 22nd May. The Challenge was open to all golfers affiliated to a club gathered guests while The Laois School of Music played a special or with a GUI handicap (or equivalent). This year, the Laois arrangement of ‘The Rose of Tralee’. The highlight of the event for International Golf Challenge attracted golfers and golfing societies a lot of the girls seemed to be the Classic & Vintage Car Parade on from Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Wales and Sweden. The Saturday which was organized with the Gordon Bennett Classic Car Challenge was run on a four ball, betterball basis and guaranteed and Ballinakill Classic Car Associations. four days of golf with competitions and prizes each day. The best accumulated scores over the first three days were entered into the final at the Seve Ballesteros designed Heritage course at Killenard, County Laois (20 teams). Those who did not make it to the final played a separate competition on the final day in Portarlington Golf Club. Along with Laois County Council, this year’s new sponsor was 4 Aces Wholesale. The committee also drew on the support of Fáilte Ireland East and Midlands Region for their assistance in promoting this event, which was launched on March 4th 2008 in The Club House at The Heritage Hotel, Killenard. The launch was attended by Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr John Moran, County Manager Peter Carey, Carl McGinty, Golf Editor, Irish Independent and sponsors 4 Aces Wholesale. Rose of Tralee contestants at a reception held at Áras an Chontae The Slieve Bloom Signage Project Late in 2007, a review of tourism signage in the Slieve Blooms was undertaken by Laois County Council and Offaly County Council with funding provided by Failte Ireland under the Innovation Fund. This project has now been completed and new signage on the routes from 10 outer towns, Castletown, Kilcormac, Mountmellick, Borris-in-Ossory, Mountrath, Portlaoise, Tullamore, Pike of Rushall, Roscrea and Birr has been installed.