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Big turn out at Abbeyleix Community Info Event
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Big turn out at Abbeyleix Community Info Event

Abbeyleix Community Turns Out in Force at Information Event

 Online Town Health Check Surveys Are Now Live

The Abbeyleix community came out in force on Monday 23rd February 2026 at the Information Event held in Heritage House to inform the wider community about the Abbeyleix Town Centre Health Check that is currently ongoing.  A Town Centre Health Check is a comprehensive study of the town identifying its strengths, weaknesses and future opportunities. It includes surveys on land use, vacancy rates, business activity and visitor experience to guide future planning, development and regeneration.

Filling out the forms at the Abbeyleix Health Check: Launch of the Community and Business Surveys by Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, South East Technological University, and Laois County Council Regeneration Section at Heritage House, Abbeyleix.
Credit: Alf Harvey.

Throughout the evening, residents and business owners learned more about what was involved in the process but also completed either the community or business survey which were being launched on the night. The Health Check is being led by Abbeyleix Tidy Towns in association with Laois County Council and the South East Technological University. Staff from both Laois County Council and the South East Technological University (SETU) were on hand throughout the event, assisting attendees with completing the surveys and answering questions about the study process.

Credit: Alf Harvey

 The surveys form a central part of the ongoing Abbeyleix Town Centre Health Check and they are an important opportunity for residents, business owners and community groups to play a part in shaping the future development of their town. The survey findings will provide essential baseline data for future town centre first plans and regeneration projects.

Credit: Alf Harvey

Those who couldn’t make the evening are asked to take part in the surveys by completing them online. The surveys will remain open until 9th March 2026.

Angela McEvoy Director of Services (Laois County Council), Denise Rainey, Town Regeneration Officer (Laois County Council) Cllr Barry Walsh (Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council), Mark Clancy (Abbeyleix Tidy Towns Committee), Andrea McNamara, Lecturer, South East Technological University, SETU, Carlow,  Sharon Harris-Byrne, Senior Lecturer and Programme Director, International Business, South East Technological University, SETU, Carlow. Credit: Laois County Council

Survey links:

Credit: Alf Harvey

Survey participants are also invited to select their preferred slogan for the town, with options including:

  • Abbeyleix – A Living Heritage Town
  • Abbeyleix – Past Led, Future Ready
  • Abbeyleix – Tradition, Innovation, Community
  • Abbeyleix – Gem of the Midlands
Credit: Alf Harvey

Deadline for completion: By 9 March 2026

The Abbeyleix Town Health Check represents the first step in developing the town’s new Town Centre First plan, which will support future funding applications for public realm improvements and regeneration projects.

Credit: Alf Harvey

Speaking at the event, Denise Rainey, Town Regeneration Officer with Laois County Council said:

“We were very encouraged but not surprised by the response to the event as Abbeyleix has a good tradition of strong community spirit. For anyone in Abbeyleix who didn’t get a chance to attend the event, we would encourage you to complete the surveys online and have your say. We need to hear in particular from the business community as well as young people aged 13-18 years of age. Your input whether as a resident, business owner, or young person will help ensure a positive outcome for all as we plan for the future of the town.”

Credit: Alf Harvey

The ongoing involvement of local groups, particularly Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, remains integral to the project’s progress and community‑led approach.

Credit: Alf Harvey