Laois Community & Voluntary Awards Climate Action Award winner #laoisawards

Durrow Tidy Towns is the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards Climate Action Award winner for 2023.

Ms Ruth Smith from Tipperary Public Participation Network stated, commented the new award this year.

"We had two examples of how important it is that Tidy Towns groups are involved in biodiversity and climate action. They are both making change for the next generations. Durrow, for the huge national community impact with the Scarecrow Festival and the vast array of collaborative groups they involve too," she said. 

The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Cllr Paschal McEvoy presented the winner with a Galway Crystal Trophy and a cheque for €500.

The runner-up in the award was Portlaoise Tidy Towns who was presented with the runner-up prize of €250 by the Chief Executive of Laois County Council John Mulholland. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

The Climate Action Award recognises communities carrying out awareness initiatives and/or actions that make a positive contribution against climate change. Climate actions can encourage your community to improve the impact of their everyday choices, support local communities and foster a sustainable approach to protecting the environment.

This award is sponsored by People First Credit Union and by Laois Climate Action section in Laois County Council.

The following is the full list of nominees in the Climate Action category, with the nominees receiving Certificates of Achievement for their contribution to their communities, is: 

• Durrow Tidy Towns
• Portlaoise Tidy Towns

The award was presented with the award at a gala reception in the Midlands Park Hotel on Friday, November 28.  

This is the 14th year of the awards which were hosted by Laois County Council in association with Laois Public Participation Network and sponsored by People First Credit Union.

The following are the nominee profiles for the Climate Action Award:

Durrow Tidy Towns: Durrow Tidy Towns is a focus group which brings together a small group of people to focus on community projects including climate change, sustainability, biodiversity and Waste Reduction along with sprinkle of sweeping, litter picking, weeding, planting and a huge dusting of optimism. They have launched their Biodiversity action plan this year and also are involved in the Smart Village plan with Laois County Council and They are working on their SEC energy Master Plan.

Portlaoise Tidy Towns: Portlaoise Tidy Towns is an all-inclusive voluntary community group. Their projects around the town are guided by their commitments to biodiversity, inclusiveness and positive social change. Their work aims to foster and improve the social connectedness and sense of place in Portlaoise, building a community that is kinder, more socially connected and environmentally sustainable. They are committed to tackling climate change to make a better future for the next generation. Their motto in their group is Love Where You Live and They try to spread the message.

The Leinster Express / LAOIS LIVE is honoured to be the media partner.