Village housing estate is best in Laois
Residents of Gleann na Glaise in Ballyroan proudly received the overall award as best local authority estate in the county. Photo: Laois Co Council
A BEAUTIFUL housing estate in Ballyroan swept the boards at Laois Co Council’s annual Best Estate and Garden Awards night.
Immaculate Gleann na Glaise was named best local authority estate in the county, after taking the top title in the Portlaoise municipal district (MD).
Double delight for the village came with prize money totalling €1,500, which will help residents maintain their high standards in the estate.
Meanwhile, Vignoles Gardens in Portarlington was declared best estate in Graiguecullen-Portarlington MD, while Old Forge Crescent in Mountrath took the crown in Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick MD, with both estates scooping €1,000.
The awards night in the council chamber on 9 October was a wonderful celebration of community pride, with a fantastic turnout of residents and representatives of residents’ associations.
With a €10,100 prize fund,16 estate awards and three individual front garden awards were presented, honouring both community and personal contributions to the county’s appearance and environment.
The front garden awards, each worth €500, went to Pat Doheny of Hillview Drive, Knockmay in Portlaoise MD; Liz Keogh, Clanmalire Close, Portarlington in Graiguecullen-Portarlington MD and Michael Maher, Harbour Court, Mountmellick in Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick MD.
The overall best community floral and shrub display award was won by Kiln Lane, Mountrath (€500), with Kirwan Park/Harbour Court in Mountmellick second (€400)and Oakleaf Place in Portlaoise third (€300).
The overall best biodiversity estate title was shared by Clanmalire Crescent (€250) and Clanmalire Close (€250) in Portarlington, while Featherbed Lane, Borris-in-Ossory won €1,000 as the county’s best improved estate.
In the hard-fought contest to win best estate in Portlaoise MD, Riverview took second place (€500) followed by Conniberry Way (€300).
In Graiguecullen-Portarlington MD, Doonane Road (€500) was second and Rossmore View, Graiguecullen was third (€300). In Borris-in-Ossory/Mountmellick MD, second prize went to Quigley Park, Rathdowney (€500) and third to Meadowbrook, Rosenallis (€300).
Hosted by Laois Co Council’s estate management section, the awards night was attended by council chief executive Michael Rainey, director of services for housing Donal Brennan, cathaoirleach Cllr Barry Walsh from Ballyroan - for whom it was a home win - Seán Fleming TD, Willie Aird TD and councillors from across the county.
In his address, Cllr Walsh praised the commitment and collaboration of residents’ associations and individuals, saying that the pride people take in their surroundings is what truly makes Laois a great place to live.
He also highlighted the sense of community spirit and teamwork that underpins the success of the awards, as he thanked all those involved for their ongoing dedication to improving their local areas.
Congratulating all winners on their outstanding work, Mr Rainey said the annual awards not only enhance the physical environment but also contribute positively to mental health and wellbeing by fostering connection, purpose and shared achievement.
He also emphasised the growing importance of biodiversity, praising residents for embracing sustainable and eco-friendly practices in their estates and gardens, as he described the residents’ associations as “a credit to their communities”.
Each winning estate received an individual plaque to display at their estate entrance, while front garden winners were presented with smaller plaques to display in their homes. Each winner also received a certificate.
Head of estate management Fionnuala Daly said the commitment of residents’ associations was a key factor in the success of the awards and in building “strong, connected and vibrant” communities.
The awards are part of the council’s ongoing Pride of Place initiatives, which aim to foster community spirit, environmental awareness and a shared sense of ownership and pride in local areas.
The council is encouraging residents’ associations and individuals to start preparing for the 2026 awards, which will showcase their creativity, teamwork and pride in their own place.
