LAOIS PARTNERSHIP COMPANY was formed in 2008  to offer one unified structure for the delivery of  economic, social and cultural services to small businesses, community groups and individuals in County Laois.  This work is largely delivered through: The Rural Development Programme (previously LEADER), the Local Community Development Programme (previously LDSIP), as well as a number of other complementary programmes. For more details on our work and activities, click here

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Posted by Mark on November 19, 2009 at 7:08 pm under General News.
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THERE was a large turnout at the official opening of the Rockview Walk at Cashel by the Laois Friends of Special Needs last Sunday. Representatives from special needs groups were on hand to see the junior minister for health John Moloney cut the tape. Ballyroan Brass Band was also present and provided the musical entertainment.  Fr Jim O’Connell and Rev Ann Wallace performed the official blessing. Speaking at the event, chairperson of Laois Friends of Special Needs Michael Deevy said it was a very proud day for his organisation and he thanked everyone who had helped to bring the project to a conclusion.  He particularly praised the HSE and Laois Partnership for their continued interest and support in helping to provide services for disabled groups in the county and said he was looking forward to their continued support in the future.

This project, which was part funded by Laois Partnership, was completed over the summer and progresed quickly with the help of the fine weather. In total, 1700 metres of walkways were created through the recently planted native woodland site ( extending to 20 acres). These walkways are finished to a high standard and are fully wheelchair accessible.  In addition, 1.5 acres at the entrance to the woodland were developed into a graden and car parking area.  There are plans to develop a sensory garden on this area in the near future.

The site is open to the public and picnic tables are provided.  Click here for directions.

Photo: Brenda Fingleton

See more photos of the site here:

From Laois Friends

Posted by Mark on September 2, 2010 at 10:42 am under General News.
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Local and organic are the two main buzzwords in food today.  And both of these elements combine in a wonderful event to take place in September.  Coolanowle Organic Farm and Guesthouse is hosting an Organic Food  Fayre on the weekend of Sept 11th and 12th, to kick start National Organic Week.

Jimmy and Bernadine Mulhall, owners of Coolanowle house and farm, are Good Food Ireland members, also approved by the Bridgestone Guide and Georgina Campbell guide.  Several years ago, they chose the organic way of life, and now supply their meats direct to the public through a mobile butcher’s shop, at various farmer’s market in the region.  During the weekend, they will celebrate the launch of their new farm shop on site, and the production unit where handmade burgers and sausages are created.

The Mulhall’s look forward to welcoming visitors to their farm, for this programme of food activities and fun.   Full programme of events available shortly.    Contact Bernadine Mulhall at Coolanowle House on 059 8625176.

Note that Laois Partnership Company will be manning a stall at the event and will be on hand to answer your qestions about setting up or developing your own enterprise.

Posted by Mark on August 16, 2010 at 4:06 pm under General News.
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First Step-1STARTING A NEW BUSINESS?

 Are you trying to start a new business or become self employed?
 In receipt of Jobseekers payments for 3 months or more?
 Are you confident that with the right support including mentoring
your business could commence within the next 4 months?
 Have you prepared a business plan
 Have you completed a start your own business course?
 Would access to First-Step start-up loans be of benefit?   To download the brochure click here……..

Note that this initiative is also open to new business startups that do not fit within the criteria for Rural Development (LEADER) funding. Contact us to find out more.

Posted by Mark on August 10, 2010 at 3:22 pm under General News.
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6x4 logoThe Start and Grow Enterprise Expo, which will be held in Portlaoise  on the 12th October, is aiming to provide a host of information for all who want to start their own business.

As well as exhibitors from organisations which support enterprise, those attending the event in October will have a chance to hear from experts, view demonstrations and avail of individual mentoring sessions.

“The Expo is intended to provide the perfect opportunity to find all the information, inspiration and motivation to start, grow and profit from a business,” say the organisers.

The event will include one-to-one mentoring sessions which can be pre-booked. The organisers say this will give attendees the chance to ask an expert specific questions relating to their existing or future business.

The exhibition includes a host of enterprise support agencies who will be available to inform people about support, funding and opportunities available to them through the agencies.  The Start and Grow Enterprise Expo is an initiative of the Laois County Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland, Laois Chamber, Laois Partnership Company and Laois County Council,

To find out more or register for the event, visit www.startandgrow.ie

Posted by Mark on August 9, 2010 at 11:53 am under General News.
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LAOIS THIRD LEVEL are currently enrolling for their autumn schedule of courses. These courses are provided in Portarlington in conjunction with education partners such as UL and UCD. Whether you choose to study for a certificate, a diploma, or a degree course, we are certain that you will find that the long-term personal and financial payback will far exceed the initial cost of the course investment.

Check out the website at http://www.laoisthirdlevel.ie/

Posted by Mark on August 6, 2010 at 11:39 am under General News.
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Oliver

Many of you may know local Laois entrepreneur  Oliver Dempsey (Overall Winner – National Enterprise Awards Laois 2009) .  Oliver owns a business in Laois and he needs your vote to win the O2 Sales Pitch Competition.  It will just take just 1 minute of your time.  Wait for the GD Star Rating to load and then give him the thumbs up. Please pass this on so that we can help a local business to win this competition and sustain jobs in the local area.  You can vote for Oliver by going to http://www.tradesmen.ie/o2

Posted by Mark on July 16, 2010 at 2:20 pm under General News.
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Fr Byrne Park in Graiguecullen is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. To mark this occasion, the Fr Byrne Park Residents Association recently organised a Family Fun Day.  The day began with a celebration of mass during which 66 white balloons were released to mark the passing of former residents.  This was followed by an afternoon of activities and refreshements. A great day was had by young and old alike. The event was part funded by Laois Partnership through the Local Community and Development Programme.

To see some photos of the day click here……

Posted by Mark on July 14, 2010 at 4:12 pm under General News.
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Following successful meetings in Portarlington and Ballylinan, the third consultative meeting will take place in Rathdowney Community Centre on Wednesday,  14th July at 8.00pm.   Log onto Rathdowney Community Centre Facebook here facebooklogo

Please contact 057-8661900 or orla@laoispartnership.ie to book your place.

Posted by Mark on July 8, 2010 at 4:06 pm under General News.
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Cultivating-Community-LogoaThe board of Laois Partnership has contracted Exodea Europe Consulting to host think tank workshops on the essential elements of vibrant rural communities and to develop a Model for Resilient Communities as an outcome of the project.

An innovative consultative process has been designed to provide the opportunities for four communities to identify the essential elements that would create vibrant rural places to live. Each of the four communities selected will receive a ‘community map’ and a report with recommendations for actions. It is hoped that Laois Partnership will grant aid some of the actions that have been recommended in the four reports.

The success of this project will depend on the quality of our consultation process and on the input of a cross-section of the community – including business, volunteers, social and tourism representatives.  The first stage of the consultation process will involve a meeting of key contacts in each area.

The first consultative meeting will take place in Portarlington Community Centre on Monday, 28th June at 7.30pm. The second one will take place in St Anne’s Hall Ballylinan at 8pm on Tuesday 6th July. Please contact 057-8661900 or orla@laoispartnership.ie to book your place.

Posted by Mark on June 25, 2010 at 4:49 pm under Events.
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aainnovatioThe function of Laois Innovation is to develop products for export, replace existing imports and to create more jobs in Laois and surrounding areas.

We are looking for people to help us to move the Laois Innovation group forward. Everyone from every walk of life has something to offer because everyone has ideas and everyone has experience with consuming products and services.  So we welcome everyone, e.g. business people, students of all ages, employed, self employed and unemployed people and pensioners.  We have had a couple of induction meetings so far with approximately 22 people attending each meeting. You can see a couple of promotional videos, photos and other useful content on our facebook page.

The induction meetings are about defining innovation and then splitting participants into groups to brainstorm certain topics. The next step is to encourage participants to join the focus groups that are focused on particular industries to come up with ideas for products or services that can be developed in those sectors.

We also need some volunteers to help co-ordinate/facilitate the focus groups.  If you are interested in becoming involved as a participant or a volunteer please join our Facebook page facebooklogo

Check out a video summary of recent workshop in Portlaoise

Posted by Mark on June 21, 2010 at 2:34 pm under General News.
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