Relaunch of Laois community organisation marks ‘a new chapter’

Laois Partnership has officially been rebranded as Connect Laois

Published 8th Jun 2026, 17:30 BST (Left) Connect Laois CEO Caroline Lydon speaking at the relaunch. (Top left) Sandra Timmons and Shannon O’Neill showcasing the group’s childcare supports and (bottom right) David Delaney and Shannon Michelle Robertson from the Arc Project which is supported by Connect Laois. Laois Partnership has officially been rebranded as Connect Laois 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.

Laois Partnership celebrated a milestone relaunch this week as it unveiled its new name, Connect Laois, and new Strategic Plan for 2026-2030.

Now in its 18th year, Connect Laois is undergoing a major rebrand to forge a new identity and raise awareness about the services the organisation offers to the local community.

Formerly known as Laois Partnership Company, Connect Laois is the Local Development Company for County Laois. The organisation works to strengthen community wellbeing, tackle disadvantage, and support sustainable rural and economic development across Laois.

Through their EU and State funded programmes and supports, Connect Laois works with a wide range of people, community groups and businesses in Laois.

The organisation supports two childcare facilities in Portlaoise , O’Moore Place Preschool and Afterschool as well as Birchgrove Afterschool.

They also provide work placement opportunities through the Tús Scheme, which helps get people on Social Welfare back into the workplace by arranging employment with voluntary groups and sports clubs.

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They also support Laois Services to Elderly People which helps older people in the community through repair and maintenance services as well as the installation of personal alarms. Connect Laois work in conjunction with the HSE, Laois County Council, Laois Age Friendly and other organisations to help older people in the community.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, June 8, Connect Laois CEO Caroline Lydon explained that this is the organisation’s first ever company-wide strategic plan.

“For us, this really signifies the coming together of all of our programmes under one roof. One company and one team working together,” Caroline said.

The CEO stated that consultations were carried out ahead of the rebranding in order to fully assess the organisation.

The findings from these consultations showed that many people weren’t completely aware of the services Connect Laois offer, hence the decision to change its name and launch a strategic plan.

“It was a good opportunity to take stock of where we were and to forge a new identity,” she said.

Read More Care facility for people with disabilities officially opens in Laois WATCH: Gunshots fired near home in Laois In PICTURES: Laois GAA fans out in force for Joe McDonagh Cup heroes Laois footballers handed tough draw in Tailteann Cup quarter-finals Caroline emphasised that this rebrand is not about fixing any problems, instead it’s about “repackaging, modernising and appealing to new generations.”

Chairperson of the Voluntary Board, Laurence Phelan, also spoke at the event and welcomed the relaunch.

“This is a significant milestone in our history. Our mission remains unchanged and clear, to make Laois a better place to live in by promoting positive change through social enterprise and community development,” the Chairperson said.

Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh , officially launched the rebrand, saying that it “marks a new chapter for the organisation.”

“It’s a fantastic place right in the middle of Portlaoise and such an asset to the town and county,” Cllr Walsh said.

Related topics: Laois Laois Partnership Portlaoise Cllr Barry Walsh 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.