News in Brief: New tree wall in Portlaoise; donations for DEBRA; and business connectivity

Lions Club support Portlaoise Tidy Towns

Portlaoise Lions Club have added their support to Portlaoise Tidy Town with the news that they will be funding a new biodiversity project in the town.

Together, the Lions Club, Portlaoise Tidy Towns, and Michael Buckley, horticulturist with Laois County Council, created a green wall and tree planting scheme at Fairgreen on the Mountmellick Road.

Vincent Booth, Chairperson of Portlaoise Tidy Town commended the “great community spirit” in the town; while Portlaoise Lions Club President, Sean Cruise, said the club were “privileged to be able to serve this great town.”

The planting has been completed, with pyracantha, rowan trees and scots pine all used.

Pyracantha is a native, evergreen plant which produces flowers and berries, will grow in various soil types and withstand harsh weather conditions.

Rowan trees and scots pine are also native and are used to encourage the birds and the bees back to this part of Portlaoise.

Kildare Hotel spearheads fundraiser for DEBRA Ireland

Over €9,500 has been raised in support of Emma Fogarty and the EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) community at DEBRA Ireland.

Emma took part in the Dublin Marathon in October where the Abbeyleix woman was joined by her Hollywood friend, Colin Farrell.

The pair led the charge in ‘Emma’s Run to 40’ challenge to raise funds for DEBRA, the national charity supporting people living with the incurable disease.

Also among the 22,500 athletes who battled through the pain barrier was Ger Alley, General Manager at the Killashee Hotel, who raised €4,878 in aid of DEBRA Ireland.

FBD Hotels and Resorts, of which the Killashee Hotel is a member, announced that they would  match Mr Alley’s fundraising, with the group contributing an additional €4,700.

The total sum of €9,578 will be added to the Emma’s Run to 40 fundraiser, which currently stands at close to €920,000.

Laois Chamber Alliance hosts Networking Event

Laois Chamber Alliance has hailed “the overwhelming success” of their recent networking event at Portlaoise Enterprise Centre.

‘Open Invite – How to get the most out of your membership’ showcased the advantages of joining Laois Chamber Alliance and was met with an exceptional turnout.

36 businesses attended the event, which organisers say gave Laois businesses the opportunity to “network, collaborate, get sound advice and work together.”

Information on future events can be found here.

SEE ALSO – ‘The people of Portlaoise felt abandoned’ during the recent cold snap