 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 |
| From Laois Friends |
Posts tagged ‘community development’
The 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.