Laois workers have the longest average commute to work in the country, according to figures recently released.
While the average commute nationally is 16.9km, Laois people are, on average, travelling 24.4km every day, making it the highest figure in the country.
Labour party candidate Eoin Barry, who will be a candidate in this year’s Local Elections in the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District, has criticised the lack of IDA investment in Laois which he says has contributed to such a statistic.
Labour candidate in Graiguecullen Portarlington Eoin Barry has criticised the lack of IDA investment which has resulted in Laois workers travelling further than workers in any other county in the country, travelling on average 24 km a day in their car to work.
“Figures revealed to the Labour Party show that the average commute of people in Ireland is 16.9kms, while the average commute for college students continues to rise, up to 34.8kms in 2022,” said Mr Barry.
“The figures confirmed that Laois workers travel the furthest average distance in the country at 24.4km.
“Far too many of us are spending far too much time in the car travelling to and from work. It’s a drain on people’s energy and it cuts into family and personal time.
“People in Laois travel 24.4km on average to work in their car.
“There are a plethora of problems that explain this, but a lack of public transport options, affordable housing options and the lack of clarity on workers’ right to work remotely are among the reasons more and more people are being forced into the car.
“It is also clear that in Laois the lack of IDA investment in our county is one of the main causes of these long commutes.
“In 2021 figures showed that Laois received only 157 IDA supported jobs, the lowest in the county and less than half of the second lowest county.
“Failure to tackle the housing affordability crisis will be the legacy of this Government, there’s no doubt, and the impact of the housing crisis has ripple effects across society.
“That’s why Labour continue to push for a right to flexible work for all employees who can work from home.
“Commuting isn’t working for people and the commuter crisis shows no sign of abating for people in Laois, we need a renewed focused on IDA backed jobs in the county to reduce the number of people that need to commute.”
2023 Entrepreneur of the Year open for nominations
The 2024 Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) programme is open for nominations.
Entrepreneurs from emerging, established, and international businesses operating across all industry sectors in Laois are invited to submit their nominations between now and February 29.
The theme for this year’s programme is The Trailblazers. Entrepreneurial trailblazers are true leaders with the courage and capacity to plot and follow their own path, pushing conventional boundaries and limits.
EOY Alumni, Ronan O’Brien, Managing Director, Zatori Results Ltd commented, who has business interests in Laois including The Costume Shop, said: “The EY Entrepreneur of the Year programme is such a positive and rewarding experience that offers so many benefits to participating entrepreneurs.
“I learned so much from the programme and forged friendships and connections with inspirational entrepreneurs from a wide range of industries.
“The alumni network continues to be an invaluable support group to me today and their collective experience and business expertise is second to none.
“Business is about relationships and constant improvement, so surrounding myself with the very best entrepreneurs in the country where we share ideas and experience has truly accelerated both our companies and my personal journey in business.
“I can wholeheartedly recommend this programme and I encourage any entrepreneurs who may be considering getting involved to go for it!”
24 finalists will be selected for this year’s programme. As finalists they will participate in a strategic growth programme over a 10-month period, including a week-long CEO Retreat to South Africa.
They will also be welcomed into the acclaimed alumni community where they will have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by many of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs who remain the heartbeat of the programme.
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ programme is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors and growth stages in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The awards programme is divided into three categories – Emerging, Established and International – with eight finalists chosen per category.
Anyone interested can find out more or complete an online nomination form at www.eoy.ie. Those nominating someone else must do so with the entrepreneur’s consent.
Emergency departments under considerable pressure this week
A number of hospitals are experiencing very high levels of activity this week due to ongoing high illness rates related to winter viruses.
Figures on Tuesday showed that there were 483 patients on trolleys (366 in Emergency Departments and 117 on wards).
“The latest information suggests that influenza levels seem to have peaked,” according to a HSE press release who are urging people to consider all care options prior to presenting at hospital.
“However there will be ongoing high levels of health service activity arising from winter viruses for a number of weeks.
“The HSE is urging the public to consider all available care options, including injury units, their GP, and local pharmacy if they have a minor ailment.
“Injury units are designed to treat injuries that are unlikely to need hospital admission and can to treat someone with a non-life threatening injury like a sprain, broken bone or a minor cut or burn.
“Treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts and wound care are also available in an injury unit.
“Attending the ED with a minor injury will result in a longer waiting time to be seen as we prioritise patient urgent and emergency cases.
“You do not need an appointment for an injury unit and there is no charge if you have a GP referral letter or are a medical card holder.
According to Damien McCallion, Chief Operations Officer, HSE: “There is significant pressure on our EDs at the moment with increased presentations.
“Whilst we ask the public to seek alternative services for non-urgent care, we want to reassure them that anyone who is seriously injured or ill, or worried their life may be at risk, should to go to the emergency department without delay.”
“By attending the GP, pharmacy or injury unit if you can, you will help alleviate pressure in the ED, which will help us get patients out of the ED and on to wards.”
SEE ALSO – From Denis O’Brien to London and back – Meet the New Laois Chamber Alliance CEO
