Laois Co Council project makes big ‘Mpact’ by winning national award
Representatives from Laois Co Council in celebratory mode after scooping one of the top awards at the All-Ireland Community and Council (LAMA) Awards Photos courtesy of All-Ireland Community & Council (LAMA)Awards
A LAOIS Co Council-led project has won the National Mpact Award at the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards.
The project-in-question, Midlands Ireland, was recognised for its success in driving STEM in the Midlands. The project was a collaboration between the county councils of Longford, Offaly and Westmeath and was funded through the EU Just Transition Fund. Midlands Ireland won for its leadership in regional collaboration and for its commitment to advancing education and innovation in the midlands.
The National Impact Awards recognises a project which has had a positive effect upon the nation as a whole, enhancing the environment, cultural or social activities, transport links or the economic stability or growth of the local and national communities who use it.
This year, Laois Co Council was also one of the most shortlisted councils nationally, earning nominations across a diverse range of categories, including best enterprise and start-up hub for The CUBE Low Carbon Centre of Excellence; best community scale enhancement for The Poet’s Cottage Café, Camross; best housing regeneration and urban planning for Goldencroft Urban Regeneration Project, Portlaoise; best sustainable infrastructure and climate action for Portlaoise Low Carbon Town; and excellence in sustainable major infrastructure delivery for Portlaoise Low Carbon Town.
In addition, LCC was also shortlisted for the much-coveted council of the year title. Speaking after the awards, Michael Rainey, chief executive of Laois Co Council, said: "We are incredibly proud to have won the National Impact Award alongside our midlands partners. I am equally proud of the breadth of projects that were shortlisted this year. Each nomination reflects the innovation, commitment and teamwork of our elected members, staff, community groups and partners. To be recognised across so many categories, including council of the year, is a tremendous achievement for Laois.”
