Community that's been picked as the pride of Laois makes bills appeal

A proud Laois community that is set to represent Laois at an All-Ireland contest this year has appealed to local people to sign up to process to ensure all the bills for local services get paid.

The Camross Community Association has revealed that Camross has been nominated to represent Laois at the 2023 Pride of Place All-Ireland competition.

The Association says it has a long tradition with the competition, being the national winner in 2009 and having the President of Ireland Mary McAleese visit to present the award.

"To have our small community chosen again 14 years later is remarkable and a fitting legacy to the work of Fr John Lalor and the continuing commitment of our community. The association is calling on the whole community to assist us prepare for the competition," said the association.

The jobs will vary from baking a few scones, to sweeping and a bit of weeding, moving stuff. A community WhatsApp group has been set up for local people to find out what they can do to help.

It's not the only appeal that has had to make this spring to local people. In April, the association reached out to local people to help fund day-to-day costs.

It said income was needed to pay electricity, heating, insurance and other costs incurred in running the Community complex. The Committee says they want to ensure that the community has access to Hall and Hub for community celebrations.

A website and booking app to try streamline operations was recently lanched. The Association says this includes an option to purchase a “Membership Plan” for all using the Camross Community Park.

They say this option will allow our community to make a donation that will help cover the costs.

A 12 months family is €45 while families can also make a €4 donation every month for a year. Individual donation of €30 can be made to cover €12 months.

The association said that if donations were not forthcoming, fundraising involving asking people to purchase tickets, attend events would have to take place.

The Association assured people in its message that all money collected via “the membership” would go directly to maintaining the park, and complex, helping with the insurance. The committee says they will post details of the bills online but also invited local people to enquire to the committee members for the same information.

Follow the link to read about the donation options: www.camrosscommunity.ie/plans-pricing

The community completed a fundraising drive in 2022 that raised €75,000 for Community Park and Hub.

The project also received a €33,250 a Town & Village and €50,000 under the CLÁR grant scheme. The community park and hub were key projects included in the Camross Development Plan 2019.