Laois business owners and community leaders gather for regional conference

Local business owners, community leaders, educators and policymakers from across Laois and the Midlands gathered at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel for the 'Pathways to Progress: Real Stories, Real Impact' conference recently.

The conference highlighted innovation, community transformation, entrepreneurship and collaboration across the Midlands as the region continues to transition from peat based industry and instead focus on diversification to secure the region's future industry.

The event also celebrated the achievements of the Midlands Ireland Project and the profound regional shift driven by the EU Just Transition Fund.

​Hosted by broadcaster and journalist Ella McSweeney, the conference marked the conclusion of the current project phase, showcasing how strategic investment in tourism, community development, STEM engagement, and local food networks is translating into tangible change for the region.

The event highlighted how community-led initiatives, supported through EU Just Transition funding, are creating new opportunities for local employment, tourism and social enterprise across the Midlands.

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Linda Kelly, Manager at Kilcormac Development Association, spoke about the growth in community-led social enterprises in Kilcormac. She noted the role that the funding has played in enabling these initiatives which are creating employment and strengthening the community.

This sentiment was echoed by Aidan Hynes who represented the Poets Cottage Community Café in Camross, County Laois. He stated that the investment into the Poets Cottage has created opportunities for local employment and allowed "people in the area to create social connections."

​The conference also highlighted the success of cross-sector partnerships, such as the Midlands Flavours food network and the STEM engagement initiatives.

Barbara Quinn, Programme Manager with Ericsson’s INFUSE programme, noted: "Having that eco-system that we have now built has expanded our potential no end. It has made everybody work closely together - getting industry involved. It’s just amazing what we have managed to achieve."

​Opening the event, Cllr Patsy Glennon, Leas-Chathaoirleach of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, emphasised that partnership is the cornerstone of navigating economic change.

Michael Rainey, Chief Executive of Laois County Council, welcomed attendees and praised the resilience of the region: "The strength of the region’s communities and their ability to innovate and adapt is what makes this project a success."

​The overarching message of the day was clear in that the Midlands’ greatest strength lies in its creativity and collaborative spirit. By investing in people and skills, the region is successfully moving away from traditional industries towards a sustainable, inclusive, and diversified economy.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme