Abbeyleix is now a place “where neighbours become friends and ideas become action” thanks to the dedication of local residents who have come together to transform their area into a community of vibrancy and can-do spirit.
Residents of Gort Na Noir and Balladine have joined forces with the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) of Laois Partnership Company, to rejuvenate and regenerate their estates and shared green spaces. They first engaged with Community Development Officer Eimear Kelly a number of years ago, who contacted the Respond Housing Association with plans to expand the usage of the local community centre. Since then, various projects have come to fruition thanks to the enthusiasm of all involved, such as crafts classes where participants have gotten creative designing wreaths for Christmas and Easter, or cookery classes. More physical activities taking place in the area include a fitness class organised in collaboration with Laois Sports Partnership, and a walking group, which is a joint project with the Abbeyleix Vitality Hub.
Besides such expansion of amenities, there has also been natural growth encouraged by the installation of a polytunnel secured last year with Healthy Ireland funding, which is being used for the planting of fresh fruit and vegetables to promote healthy eating and cut down on weekly shopping bills.
With so much happening and many more plans in the pipeline, Abbeyleix is fast becoming one of the county’s models of grassroots development, a place where, according to one resident: “If you’re feeling down, the group is always there for others, especially in times of need.”
For more information on how SICAP can help your community to grow, contact Eimear via email on [email protected] or call 087 2230710.
