Midlands Park Hotel staff volunteer at Portlaoise park

12 EMPLOYEES of Midlands Park Hotel recently swapped their uniforms for gardening gloves to help reduce an invasive plant species growing wild in Linear Park, Portlaoise.

Impatiens glandulifera, also known as Himalayan balsam, has been found in the park. In the European Union, Himalayan balsam is on the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union concern, meaning it cannot be intentionally imported, planted, released or commercialised across member states.

Laois Volunteer Centre organised this project in conjunction with Portlaoise Tidy Towns and Laois County Council.

Rachel Dooley, human resource administrator with the hotel, said they were pleased to be part of the volunteering effort to aid the Portlaoise Biodiversity Action Plan alongside Laois Volunteer Centre and Portlaoise Tidy Towns.

“Twelve members of our team participated in the removal of invasive Himalayan balsam from Linear Park”, she said, adding that their efforts contribute “to a wider conservation effort focused on enhancing biodiversity and protecting local green spaces”.

2026 marks the hotel’s third year of involvement. “We are proud to continue supporting this important work”, says Rachel.

“The beautiful weather on the day was an added bonus and was enjoyed by everyone involved. We were delighted to have the opportunity to give back to the community, and the day proved both enjoyable and rewarding for all involved”.

Rachel expressed thanks to Laois Volunteer Centre, Portlaoise Tidy Towns and Michael Buckley and Lisa Doyle of Laois County Council for their continued support. “We look forward to participating again next year and continuing this great work”, she added.

Chairperson of Portlaoise Tidy Towns, Vincent Booth, said it was “fantastic” to see local business showing an interest in community biodiversity: “Thank you to the staff of Laois Volunteer Centre for hosting another corporate volunteering day with the staff of The Midlands Park Hotel.

“Controlling invasive species of flora is an ongoing battle, but having the help of such an enthusiastic bunch of volunteers makes it so much easier. It is very evident to us that the work the Midlands Park team carried out last year has paid off as there’s a considerable reduction in the growth of Himalayan balsam this year. Hopefully, the team will come back again next year.” Biodiversity Officer of Laois County Council, Lisa Doyle said that the removal of Himalayan balsam is “a valuable contribution to protecting native biodiversity in Linear Park”.

“Community and business involvement like this is vital in helping tackle invasive species and improve local habitats”, she added.

“This project was a very successful, collaborative effort”, said Caitriona Ryan, manager of Laois Volunteer Centre.

The project was organised as part of Laois Volunteer’s Centre’s corporate volunteer programme, which encourages businesses to provide group volunteering opportunities for their employees.