In Pictures: Full house at launch of Ballylinan’s Health Check report

A full house gathered at St Anne’s Hall for the highly anticipated launch of Ballylinan’s Health Check report on Monday, April 7.

The event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to enhance the village’s future, with a big turnout of community members.

The Health Check report is based on a comprehensive series of surveys involving community members, local businesses, youth, children, and senior citizens, received an unprecedented 472 responses—an extraordinary number for a village with a population of approximately 1,200 people.

The key findings of the report highlight the village’s strong sense of community spirit, with respondents expressing a deep fondness for living in Ballylinan and a shared desire for a productive and prosperous future for the village.

The launch event was attended by Laois County Council Cathaoirleach, Councillor Padraig Fleming, and Councillor Aisling Moran, who initially requested the study for the village.

“This report marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to build a healthier, more vibrant, and more sustainable future for Ballylinan,” said Councillor Fleming in his speech.

“It not only provides a snapshot of where we stand as a community, but also sheds light on the potential that lies ahead.

“The Health Check is key in understanding both the strengths and challenges of Ballylinan.

“The Health Check report is the first step for Ballylinan village in terms of its regeneration journey”, says Denise Rainey, Town Regeneration Officer at Laois County Council.

The regeneration team in Laois County Council has been leading the Health Check work with Ballylinan’s Town Team and Southeast Technological University (SETU), Carlow campus.

Ballylinan’s rich history and warm community spirit emerged as a central theme, with findings showing that these qualities are deeply valued by locals.

SETU conducted the study under the guidance of Dr Sharon Harris-Byrne and Una Grant.

The team of students, including international students, actively engaged with the community and gained valuable insight into life in a Laois village.

The Health Check will serve as the foundation for future planning and will guide the efforts of the Town Team, led by Chair Horace Downey and supported by Aideen McHugh and Niamh Conaghan and the wider committees.

Together with the support of Laois County Council’s Regeneration Section, the team will begin the next phase of the village’s development, focusing on a regeneration plan for the village.

This plan will identify key projects to help revitalise Ballylinan, and with support from the Department of Rural and Community Affairs, funding will be sought to turn these ideas into reality.

The report’s findings and the collaborative approach will help guide Ballylinan toward a more sustainable and vibrant future where current and future generations can thrive.

Alf Harvey was present on the night and captured some great images:

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