Portlaoise goes green with magnificent meadows

A MEADOW management programme across Portlaoise is enhancing public spaces throughout the town.

The grass and meadow management programme run by Laois Co Council involves balancing biodiversity objectives, public presentation, road safety, recreation, operational maintenance requirements and seasonal growth patterns, across a wide range of urban and roadside locations.

A key element of the programme is the recognition that meadow areas require active and planned management rather than a ‘no maintenance’ approach. This includes planned mowing regimes, timing of cuts, removal of arisings where appropriate, management of sightlines and invasive species control.

In addition to environmental gains, carefully managed meadow areas are enhancing the visual quality of Portlaoise. Attractive and well-maintained landscapes along key approach roads, parks, roundabouts and gateway locations are helping to strengthen the town’s identity as a green and progressive town.

Different meadow types continue to be used across the town, depending on location and function, including shortcut meadows, long meadows, roadside pollinator corridors and amenity grass areas retained for recreation and public use. 

The initiative supports the objectives of the Portlaoise Biodiversity Action Plan and the ‘Portlaoise: A Town in a Garden’ scheme. It has contributed to increased pollinator habitats, improved ecological connectivity and enhanced urban greening throughout the town.

A council spokesperson said the programme is also delivering wider environmental benefits, supporting climate adaptation and sustainability through reduced chemical usage, improved soil health, increased carbon sequestration and better rainwater infiltration and support for native flora and fauna.

These improved public spaces are also contributing positively to the quality of life for residents, providing attractive environments for walking, recreation and community wellbeing.

A council spokesperson said: ‘The enhanced presentation of the town is supporting tourism and placemaking objectives, improving visitor routes and key public spaces across the municipal district.

‘A greener and better-presented urban environment continues to play an important role in attracting people to live, work and invest in Portlaoise.’ 

The continued success of the meadow management programme is made possible through strong coordination between municipal district staff, Tidy Towns groups, residents’ associations and biodiversity stakeholders. This collaborative approach ensures that areas are managed safely, consistently and sustainably throughout the growing season.

Portlaoise Municipal District manager Simon Walton said: “The success of our grass and meadow management programme in Portlaoise demonstrates how a thoughtful and balanced approach can deliver real benefits for biodiversity, climate resilience and the everyday quality of our public spaces.

“By tailoring how we manage different locations we are creating a greener, healthier and more attractive town while ensuring that safety, accessibility and community needs are fully met. This programme is a key part of our wider commitment to developing Portlaoise as a sustainable and forward-looking town that people are proud to live in, work in and visit.” 

In line with the National Biodiversity Action Plan, Laois Co Council continues to make steady progress in reducing the use and impact of chemical pesticides, through sustainable practices and the promotion of integrated pest management.

The council has reduced its reliance on chemical pesticides, recognising that these substances can bioaccumulate within ecosystems, increasing in concentration through the food chain and potentially causing harm to wildlife and biodiversity. Alternative weed control methods are being implemented to safeguard ecosystem health.