The new Heritage Plan for County Laois was launched by Leas Cathaoirleach Catherine Fitzgerald at Roundwood House in Mountrath on Wednesday 9th July. The plan, which is the third published for Laois, and covers the period 2014 – 2019, sets out a series of objectives and ambitious actions for the built, natural and cultural heritage of Laois for the next five years.
2014-2019 Heritage Plan Cover
Speaking at the launch, Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said “Laois County Council is fully committed to conserving and enhancing the heritage of Laois, and this plan sets out a range of very positive actions which will help us to achieve this in a planned way”.
County Manager Peter Carey thanked the large number of individuals and groups who have had an input into developing the Plan, saying “the consultation process undertaken in developing this plan ensures that the interests and wishes of all people in Laois are reflected in its actions, and this sense of partnership really strengthens the plan for the future”. Thanking the members of the Heritage Forum, he continued “without this committed group of partners, the Heritage Plan process which has reaped such rewards in Laois over three past ten years, would not have been possible”.
2014 Heritage Plan Page Killeshin Laois
Chair of Laois Heritage Forum Teddy Fennelly, welcomed the publication of the new Laois Heritage Plan, and thanked the elected members of Laois County Council for their continued support. He also thanked the Heritage Council, who have provided advice, support and crucially funding for the Heritage Plan projects in Laois over the past decade.
Continuing, he said “The new Plan is not just a blueprint for our future actions, it is also a beautifully produced document which showcases many of the aspects of our heritage here in Laois. The cover photograph of a kingfisher, by Mountmellick photographer Dominic Reddin, is a beautiful addition, and many of the inside photographs, by local photographers, show aspects of the built, natural and cultural heritage of the county, including Abbeyleix Bog, Aghaboe Abbey, Killeshin, and the Slieve Blooms. I would urge anyone with an interest in the heritage of county Laois to get a copy of this plan”.
2014 Heritage Plan Page Garryhinch
The Laois Heritage Plan 2014-2019 is available directly from Laois Heritage Office and Branch Libraries. It is also available to download at Laois Heritage Plan 2014 – 2019.
2014 Heritage Plan Page Interior Laois