Portlaoise university lecturer joins board of agency that has millions to invest in Laois

Laois resident Pauline Flanagan has been appointed to the Laois Partnership Board as the South East Technological University’s (SETU) representative.

Ms Flanagan works as a lecturer in SETU Carlow (formerly known as IT Carlow).  Laois Partnership Company is the Local Development Company for Laois.  

Ms Flanagan looked forward to joining the board.

"I am delighted to have been appointed to the Laois Partnership Board.  There is extensive work – and funding – that is overseen and completed by the board ensuring Laois is a better place to live by enhancing community life, combatting disadvantage and social exclusion and supporting enterprise development.  I hope to more than play my part on this board," she said.

Peter O'Neill, Chair of Laois Partnership expressed his delight her appointment to the board.

"Pauline Flanagan’s extensive experience in higher education, where she is educated at doctorate level, and in being embedded in a range of community initiatives across Laois will be a huge bonus for our board.  Pauline’s background in Public Relations will also ensure that we endeavour to continue to promote the extensive work done on a daily basis in Laois Partnership to support people, communities and businesses in Laois," concluded Mr O Neill.

Ms Flanagan holds a BA in Theology and Economics from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, an MA in Public Relations from DIT and a Doctorate in Education from the University in Sheffield, UK.

The Portlaoise resident is an active voluntary participant in various communities in Laois and is a voluntary member on many other Laois boards including Board Secretary for Laois Volunteer Centre and Youth Work Ireland Laois and a board member of Laois Traveller Action Group.

A former Laois County Councillor is also an active member of Laois Integration Network (LIN), she is Secretary for the Portlaoise St. Patrick’s Day committee and joint-PRO with ‘Mothers & Others’ in Portlaoise GAA.   

The former General Election candidate is also National Events Director with the Fianna Fáil Women’s Network. 

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A State and EU-funded organisation, Laois Partnership delivers a range of programmes and supports to people, communities and businesses in the county.   

Laois Partnership is the key agency in Laois in overseeing the spending of €5.7 million to support rural communities and enterprises across under the LEADER Programme 2023-2027.