This year Laois will be represented in the 2021 IPB All Island Pride of Place Competition by Abbeyleix Tidy Towns.
The competition focus is about people coming together to shape, change and improve daily lives in their communities.
Since the competition commenced in 2003, it has impacted on hundreds of thousands of people, all of whom are proud of their place.
The competition is based on communities demonstrating directly to the judges their pride in their place by oral presentations where they highlight community activities, culture and many other aspects that contribute to their pride of place.
The competition is sponsored by IPB Insurances and hosted by Co-operation Ireland under its Local Authority Programme, and entries are nominated by their respective local authorities.
The aim of the Pride of Place competition is to recognise initiatives taken by local communities to create pride in their area and to celebrate the vital contribution that community groups make to society.
The competition focuses on people coming together to shape, enhance and enjoy all that is good about their area.
Abbeyleix Tidy Towns Committee was established over 62 years ago in 1959 in an effort to galvanise the community to work together to ensure Abbeyleix was not only a great place to live but to work in and visit also.
Over the years the committee grew and forged alliances with Laois County Council, schools and community groups building a momentum that is in evidence today by the achievements of the local organisation.
Abbeyleix is a community that continues to be an attractive place to live, to work and to visit. Abbeyleix Tidy Towns focus is now on placemaking and on reimagining their beautiful heritage town as a smart and sustainable community that is fit for the 21st Century.
Abbeyleix Tidy Towns have an inclusive ethos and work hard to engage the wider community in their work.
They promote a support local ethos and are currently working on significant flagship biodiversity and climate actions projects that will move the town forward on their journey to become a truly sustainable community.
Pride of Place came to Laois, when the judges from Co-operation Ireland visited Abbeyleix on Monday September 20 where Abbeyleix Tidy Towns group made an excellent presentation to the judges highlighting the numerous initiatives that have been undertaken in the town over the years and plans for the future.
Best of luck to the Laois representative entrant in this year’s IPB All Island Pride of Place Competition.
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