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Castletown Mill and Weir on the River Nore, Co. Laois

Laois, Ireland

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Castletown Mill and Weir on the River Nore, Co. Laois
Castletown Mill and Weir on the River Nore, Co Laois |@ Robandrews | AdobeStock

Laois, Ireland

Situated in the midlands, Laois is predominantly agricultural. The main population centre of Portlaoise is a hub for civil and public service employment. According to the 2022 census, the county's population is just above 90,000 people, an increase of over 30,000 since 2002. As the county has motorway and transport links to other parts of the country, many work elsewhere, with Laois Chamber Alliance estimating around 13,000 commute out of Laois daily.

Examples of projects and initiatives supported by the EU

Project for biological farming transition

Running from 2018 - 2023, Danú Farming Group, led by a farmer in Mountrath, runs a project for biological farming transition, with the aid of €400,000 from the Agricultural European Innovation Partnership (EIG-AGRI). This project aims to educate farmers how to implement biological farming principles and practices, which take a holistic approach to soil, crop and pasture management.

Back to Education Initiative (BTEI)

The Back to Education Initiative, run by Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board, is financially supported by the European Social Fund. It offers adult learners, particularly people who left school early, the possibility to access a large variety of educational and learning programmes throughout the county. 

Support for businesses and small entrepreneurs in Laois

Laois Local Enterprise Office, co-financed by the EU’s regional development budget, offers training, mentoring, advice and financial support to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Transitional LEADER Programme

Laois LCDC operates the county LEADER funding, and Laois was allocated €2.1 million under the Transitional LEADER Programme.

2023-2027 LEADER Programme

Laois LCDC operates the county LEADER funding, and Laois was allocated €5.7 million in the 2023-2027 LEADER Programme. 

Start At Best project

Polar Ice, a dry ice manufacturer based in Portarlington, received EU funding in 2020 of €7500 under the Start At Best project. This was a Horizon 2020 funded project focussed on workplace innovation to aid business competitiveness, which the company used to facilitate working from home, conduct virtual auditing and implement an employee well-being programme. 

The Cube, Low Carbon Centre of Excellence

Portlaoise is Ireland's first Low Carbon Town, and received EU funding of over €2 million to open a new low carbon centre of excellence. ‘The Cube’, will be the first dedicated low carbon facility in the region and will stimulate the creation of an estimated 260 jobs. 

Further information
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