News|Business June 22nd, 2023

Latest Laois Event: Laois Tidy Towns host Community Engagement & Sustainability Seminar

Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Hosted Seminar Promoting Community Engagement and Sustainability

Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Seminar at The Hub Camross. – Delegates , on a tour of Camross led by Johanna McDonald Steenkist. Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.

The Laois Federation of Tidy Towns is pleased to have announced its recent seminar, which brought together community groups, environmental enthusiasts, and local organizations to explore opportunities for community engagement, sustainable practices, and biodiversity conservation. The seminar took place on 19^th June 2023 at the Camross Community Hub.

The event featured distinguished speakers who provided valuable insights into various initiatives and funding opportunities available to Tidy Towns Groups. The seminar’s agenda included a tour of Camross led by Johanna McDonald Steenkist, offering participants an up-close look at the village’s beauty and environmental projects.

Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Seminar at The Hub Camross. Delegates – John and Mary Daly with Suzanne Dempsey ( Secretary of Laois Federation of Tidy Towns and Climate Action Coordinator for Laois County Council ). Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.

Karen Moore, the Community Climate Action Officer from Laois County Council, updated attendees on the Community Climate Action Fund. Through highlighting project case studies, Karen demonstrated how Tidy Towns Groups could leverage this funding to carry out impactful climate action initiatives within their communities.

Regina Dunne, Tourism Development Executive with Laois Chamber Alliance, delved into the topics of biodiversity and sustainable tourism potentials. She shed light on the Just Transition Fund administered by Failte Ireland for the years 2023-2026, emphasizing the funding opportunities available for projects aligned with biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism practices.

Caitriona Ryan, Manager of the Laois Volunteer Centre, provided an overview of the services the center offers to community groups. Ryan demonstrated how availing these services can greatly benefit organizations by enhancing their capacity and supporting community engagement initiatives.

Speakers at the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns Hosted Seminarat The Hub, Camross: Karen Moore, (Community Climate Action Officer from Laois County Council), Suzanne Dempsey, (Secretary of Laois Federation of Tidy Towns and Climate Action Coordinator for Laois County Council ), Caitriona Ryan, (Manager of the Laois Volunteer Centre) and Regina Dunne, (Tourism Development Executive with Laois Chamber Alliance). Photo: Michael Scully – no reproduction fee.

Suzanne Dempsey, Secretary of Laois Federation of Tidy Towns and Climate Action Coordinator for Laois County Council stated that “The Laois Federation of Tidy Towns extends its gratitude to all Tidy Towns members who attended the seminar. By participating in the event, attendees gained valuable knowledge, networked with like-minded individuals, and explored avenues for collaboration and community improvement.”