Laois town makes a big impression on Pride of Place judges

Portlaoise Tidy Towns will represent the county in the Pride of Place competition

Published 10th Jul 2026, 19:25 BST Catherine Donlan, Portlaoise Tidy Towns, Pride of Place judges John Briggs and Declan Nelson with Gerry Browne and Vincent Booth, Portlaoise Tidy Towns. Photo: Denis Byrne. Portlaoise Tidy Towns will represent the county in the Pride of Place competition Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

The Pride of Place judges were welcomed to Portlaoise on Thursday, July 9.

This year, Laois County Council selected the Portlaoise Tidy Towns group to represent the county in the prestigious IPB Pride of Place competition in the climate action and biodiversity category.

With judges Declan Nelson and John Briggs visiting the town on Thursday, the group put in a lot of work to make sure Portlaoise put its best foot forward on the day.

Speaking about the preparation for the visit, the Chairperson of Portlaoise Tidy Towns, Vincent Booth, said: “We have been working hard to make sure that Portlaoise is shown off at its very best to the Pride of Place judges.

“Over many years, a variety of programmes and initiatives have led to a blooming town with biodiversity at its heart. Today is an opportunity to showcase this and we hope national recognition for our town will follow.”

The visit began with a comprehensive presentation at Portlaoise Library by Tidy Towns’ representatives Vincent Booth, Gerry Browne and Margaret Fingleton.

This detailed the climate action and biodiversity initiatives that are in place in Portlaoise, including the ‘A Town in a Garden’ and the Portlaoise Low Carbon Town concepts which inform each climate friendly step taken in the town.

Attendees included volunteers, community groups, local organisations, Laois County Council staff, elected members and Oireachtas members.

Welcoming the judges, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald, said: “As a Portlaoise councillor I am so proud of this community and it was my honour to welcome the Judges to Portlaoise today to show them our beautiful town and showcase the hard work and community spirit that make Portlaoise an attractive place to live, work and visit.”

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The power of collaboration was highlighted between Portlaoise Tidy Towns and Laois County Council through both the Municipal District Office and the Portlaoise Town Team, as well as the collaboration with businesses, schools, community groups, volunteers, elected officials and Portlaoise residents.

Speaking after the presentation, judge John Briggs congratulated Portlaoise Tidy Towns on everything they have achieved.

“You have made our job very hard today. The connection between Laois County Council and Portlaoise Tidy Towns is wonderful. This has been a great presentation, and it is a great project,” Mr Briggs said.

After the presentation, the judges were taken on a walking tour around the town which included the parklet, swift box and mural, the redeveloped convent lands, Fitzmaurice Place, the rainwater gardens, memorial park and Burial Ridge, the Triogue and People’s Park.

Contributors throughout the tour included Simon Walton, Director of Services at Laois County Council, Michael Parsons from Laois Heritage Society, Michael Buckley, Executive Engineer and horticulture expert, Portlaoise Tidy Towns volunteers, Wes Wilkinson, Senior Executive Engineer, Michele Castiauz, Green Schools co-ordinator with An Taisce, Thomas Carolan, Heritage Officer, and Suzanne Dempsey, Climate Action Co-ordinator.

Read More Family of Laois murder victim Adina Constantin launch fundraiser to bring her home to rest Ashling Murphy's murderer drops appeal against conviction The countdown for Electric Picnic is on as road closures announced Laois Garda says ANPR can’t read non conforming number plates The tour finished at An Dún outdoor space where the Malva Ukrainian Choir and a range of community organisations including People First Credit Union, Laois Tourism, Laois PPN and Connect Laois greeted the judges for music and a community barbecue.

Commenting on the visit, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey, said: “I acknowledge and commend the level of dedication shown by Portlaoise Tidy Towns, alongside our team at Laois County Council, in showcasing the very best of Portlaoise today.

“No stone was left unturned in the preparation of an excellent presentation, engaging walking tour, and celebratory gathering with the community. Pride of Place is all about the partnership between the local authority and the local community. We look forward to continuing this partnership, and we wish Portlaoise Tidy Towns the very best of luck in the competition.”

Clough Village is also nominated in this year’s Pride of Place competition and will welcome the judges later this month.