Ballacolla Tidy Towns are currently recruiting for Volunteers. This role is open to volunteers of all ages. Tasks include: Litter picking, flower planting, grass cutting & painting. All supplies and equipment will be provided to you. Ballacolla Tidy Towns primary aim is to make our community a cleaner, greener and more attractive village for locals and visitors alike. Ballacolla Tidy Towns also supports a wide range of wildlife habitats and species of local or national conservation interest which is why they are keen to promote biodiversity in our town as part of their efforts. Volunteers can chose the hours that they would like to do. If you are interested in applying for this role, or would like further information, please see the link below: https://www.i-vol.ie/volunteer-opportunity/?ID=a004G00000o5w7g
Laois LocalLink Timetables
Click below link for Local Link Laois timetables https://locallinklaoisoffaly.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/TFI-Local-Link-Laois-A5-Booklet-May22-ONLINE.pdf
Bogus Callers
BOGUS CALLERS Unfortunately, everyone can receive visits form bogus callers and our older persons are frequently targeted by them. Bogus callers will say anything to get into your home or onto your property. “There’s been an accident, can I call an ambulance?” “I’ve broken down, can I use your phone?” “I’ve had a fall, could I have a glass of water” “I’m from the council, there’s a burst main, I need to turn off your supply” Occasionally we see them telling people they are members of An Garda Síochána that are investigating counterfeit money. They then steal peoples money. Some will keep you talking at the front door while their accomplice sneaks in the back door. In all cases you need to be wary of strangers calling to your home. They will be offering services such as powerwashing, painting, selling goods etc. Take precautions – • Do not open the door to anyone before you’ve checked who it is and what they want. Use your door viewer and chain/limiter. • Check identification, where appropriate. • Do not leave strangers unattended at your doorstep. • Ensure your back door is locked when you answer a call at the front door. •keep gates to yards closed. We advise and encourage people not to engage with such callers. Don’t open your door to anyone before you have checked who it is and what they want. They can be intimidating and refuse to take no for an answer. We ask you to be vigilant when out and about and report suspicious persons/vehicles to us immediately. Please pass this advice on to those in our community that may not follow our page. REMEMBER IF IN DOUBT KEEP THEM OUT. https://www.garda.ie/en/crime/burglary-theft/what-is-a-bogus-caller-.html
Laois Heritage Office event
Laois County Council is delighted to invite you to the launch of “The High Fortress: A Guide to the Rock of Dunamase” On Wednesday 23rd November at 7.15pm in the Midlands Park Hotel Portlaoise. The book which is published by Wordwell, supported by The Heritage Council and Laois County Council , is the culmination of several years’ work and features wonderful contributions from Brian Hodkinson, Dr John Feehan, Dr Sharon Greene and Dr Matthew Stout, edited by Peigín Doyle. Please share with anyone who may be interested.
Killeen Community group notice
Back by popular demand…… and to launch the newly installed defibrillator located at Killeen Community Hall
Update on Bloom HQ digital Innovation Event
Developer of LocalHub community app added to speakers at this event..This part of the event will be for the adult learner.. phone safety, scam awareness and how to find and use new apps and Rory McEvoy of Microsoft will be a speaker.. Cian Strolla will be showing a live demo of his new LocalHub community app and outlining its uses, features and benefits .
Senior Alerts Scheme
The Seniors Alert Scheme (SAS) has been established to encourage community support for vulnerable older people in our communities. Search the website by County for providers or you can contact Pobal onlinesupport@pobal.ie or telephone (01) 511 7222. https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/seniors-alert-scheme-sas/?s=09
Laois remote hub to host national Digital First Day free event
From Leinster Express.. All are being welcomed to BloomHQ in Mountrath next Wednesday, November 16, to explore the benefits of ‘Going Digital’ for communities, individuals and businesses across Laois It’s part of a nation-wide drive to help attract economic and social development and tackle the rural/urban divide through digitalisation which was launched recently by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys. Over 50 Connected Hubs across Ireland are hosting free seminars, chats, tutorials and workshops on the benefits of digital growth to attract investment, remote workers, home buyers and visitors to their area thus advancing sustainable regional development and quality of life. The programme of events for BloomHQ includes: ● Workshop for parent and guardians on use of digital technologies for school – Google Classroom, Aladdin app, VSware and more 9.45am – 10.30am ● Helping older adults get online and recognise scam messages and emails. Also includes an open discussion on what technologies can benefit people in the community with Rory McEvoy of Microsoft. 11am – 12pm ● Lunch and Learn – networking event including: talks with expert speakers on digital growth initiatives and strategies; Helping community groups learn on how to engage new audiences and members online ;B2B Networking opportunities ● Tea/coffee and refreshments will be provided at all three events BloomHQ is based in the repurposed Mountrath Presentation school and convent, now a vibrant community and business hub. For further information see www.bloomhq.ie or email Regina Dunne at digitalinnovation@bloomhq.ie. Attendees can book their place through Eventbrite at the following link https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/443206431367 or by emailing their interest to Regina. Digital First Day is driven by a new collaboration, Digital Ireland Network (www.digital-ireland.ie) devised to highlight the potential of digital growth and social enterprise in attracting economic and social development in rural areas and to help tackle the urban/rural divide. Stephen Carolan is Enterprise Hubs Project Manager at Connected Hubs. “We believe that the hub network across the country can act as a catalyst for communities to bring about the social change at scale envisioned in ‘Our Rural Future’.” Eoin Costello is DigitalHQ and director of the Digital First Day initiative. “Highlighting the benefits of digital will bring the community into their local Connected Hub while digitalisation will bring the impact of the hub out into the local community! It’s a win/win.” Digital First Day is part funded through the Department of Rural & Community Development ARISE fund and sponsored by the Western Development Commission, National Broadband Ireland and the gteic network. Over 50 staff from Microsoft Ireland will also be volunteering at various hubs on the day. This initiative is driven by the newly formed Digital Ireland Network, a network dedicated to ‘Reimagining Rural Ireland’. The founding organisations include Connected Hubs, DigitalHQ, the national domain registry .IE, National Broadband Ireland, the Heritage Council’s CTCHC Programme, DLR County Council, An Cosán, Údarás na Gaeltachta, the Western Development Commission, eTownz and Grow Remote.
Event in Bloom HQ on December 1st
On Thursday, 1st December 2022 in Bloomhq, Mountrath, the official launch of ‘A Look at Laois’ – A feature length documentary about Laois’ – will take place. The event commences at 7pm. Segments of the documentary will be shown on the night with background music performed by members of Laois Comhaltas. This will be followed by tea, coffee, finger food and networking. Anybody involved in business, tourism, or the food industry is welcome to attend this wonderful event. If you are interested in attending, please e-mail caroline@laoischamber.ie. In this documentary, the history of the county is illustrated by the stories of local happenings, local heroes, local pioneering visionaries, all of whom have contributed to the landscape of the O’Moore County. Laois is a county full of historical importance, where arts and culture continue to evolve, welcoming visitors from near and far. We hope that you can join us on the night. This event is hosted by Laois Chamber of Commerce Laois Comhaltas Laois Tourism
Garda Property App
What is the Garda Property app? This is a free app developed by An Garda Síochána to allow you to record and index your property, for example, bicycles, laptops, farm machinery etc.