Laois County, situated in the Irish Midlands, is facing growing impacts from climate change, including increased rainfall, localised flooding, rising temperatures, and biodiversity loss. In response, Laois County Council has taken a proactive role in driving local climate action, with a strong emphasis on supporting communities to adapt through practical, place-based solutions.
The Laois Climate Action Plan 2024–2029, adopted in January 2024, outlines the county’s approach to both mitigation and adaptation, aligning with national targets—such as a 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and the broader goal of achieving a climate-resilient, biodiversity-rich, and environmentally sustainable Ireland by 2050. The plan recognises that successful climate action must be embedded in everyday governance, service delivery, and community life. It stresses the need for cross-sector collaboration, calling on citizens, voluntary groups, and local institutions to play a central role in building resilience.
Laois County Council is committed to integrating climate change adaptation (CCA) and resilience into daily community life by supporting locally driven, straightforward, and high-impact initiatives. Key actions include:
-Community Climate Action Fund (€465,000 allocated in 2024) – Funding was secured for 16 community-led adaptation projects, such as:
- Community gardens and pollinator-friendly landscapes
- Rainwater harvesting and flood resilience measures
- Energy efficiency upgrades for community buildings
- Public awareness workshops
-Tidy Towns Climate Projects and Sustainability Grants – Enhanced support through the Tidy Towns scheme to promote local climate action. Grants now prioritise biodiversity corridors, water-saving infrastructure, and waste reduction
-Portlaoise Low Carbon Town – As Ireland’s first low-carbon town pilot, Portlaoise is undergoing climate-focused transformations, including:
- Expansion of pedestrian zones and cycle lanes
- Development of a greenway along the Triogue River (improving flood resilience and amenities)
- Upgraded public lighting (LED) and EV infrastructure
- Reuse of vacant buildings to reduce embedded carbon
This initiative serves as a regional demonstration of how urban areas can integrate mitigation and adaptation into everyday planning.
