Fairgreen in Portlaoise lives up to its name

FAIRGREEN in Portlaoise is living up to its name, with a new green wall and tree planting scheme that will bring birds and bees back to the heart of the town.

Portlaoise Lions Club has collaborated with Portlaoise Tidy Towns (PTT) and Michael Buckley, horticulturist with Laois County Council, to create the beautiful project at Fairgreen on the Mountmellick Road.

The Lions Club wanted to support the Tidy Towns group’s vision of ‘a town in a garden’ and agreed to fund one of its projects from the Biodiversity Action Plan 2023-2028.

Green wall planting around Portlaoise has been one of the most successful projects undertaken by the group and has already benefited many parts of the town.

The planting has been completed and will be a constant reminder of the budding collaboration, while also benefiting the biodiversity of the Fairgreen area.

The plant used is pyracantha wall cover which is a native, evergreen plant that produces flowers and berries, will grow in various soil types and withstand harsh weather conditions, so it looks good all year round.

Rowan trees and Scots Pine are sown nearby, as native trees encourage birds and bees back to this part of town.

PTT chairperson Vincent Booth said: “It is very encouraging and heartwarming, when a group like Portlaoise Lions Club contact us to offer us their support to the work we do and we very much appreciate it.

He added: “Portlaoise has a great community spirit going between all the interested groups and the town looks all the better for it.” Portlaoise Lions Club President Sean Cruise said it gave the club great pleasure to support PTT and be a part of their great story.

He said: “It is right and fitting that we support these biodiversity projects in our area. The community of Portlaoise donates to our club, to enable us to facilitate groups like the Tidy Towns and other charities to serve our wonderful community. We are privileged to be able to serve this great town and district and I look forward to many more collaborations in the future.” 

 Mr Booth said: “All things considered, this has been a most worthwhile collaboration and PTT say a big thank you to Portlaoise Lions Club.”