Home News Community In Pictures: Durrow community group recognised for outstanding contribution

In Pictures: Durrow community group recognised for outstanding contribution

Community spirit is alive and well around the county – but perhaps nowhere more so than in Durrow, where a vibrant group have been to the forefront of local community life for over two decades now.

And the Durrow Development Forum were acknowledged with a Civic Reception in the Laois County Council chambers last week for their incredible.

Members of that group were in the Council last Thursday night where their hard work and contribution was honoured. And it’s easy to see why.

“Durrow Development Forum is a voluntary community organisation set up in 1997 and their mission is to enhance the social, economic, physical and environmental aspects of Durrow,” said Cathaoirleach John King in his speech.

“There are currently 18 people on the committee and the Forum work closely with both Laois County Council and Laois Partnership. Over the past twenty years they have beem instrumental in the development of the following:

  • Durrow Heritage Action Plan 2012 -2015
  • Durrow Architectural Conservation Area Study 2010
  • Durrow Village Design Statement
  • Durrow Sustainable Communities Plan
  • Tae Lane Famine Memorial
  • Canon Carrigan amenity area
  • Durrow Brick Amenity Area

“Durrow Development Forum have also been involved in the planting and supply of bulbs for hanging baskets, planters and flower pots, planting and maintenance of beech hedging and daffodils on the the approach roads.

“They have also worked closely with Laois County Council in the planning and completion of Phase 1 of the restoration and rejuvenation of the square project. Phase 2 of the square plan has been confirmed by Laois County Council and will involve the provision of limestone kerbing around the smaller green areas, removal of overhead cables, defining of parkingand paving of the paths.

“One of Durrow Development Forums’ best achievements to date is the Durrow Scarecrow Festival.

“This festival has ran for nine years and last years brought an estimated 20,000 people to the area. The nine day event had something for young and old alike with the scarecrow themselves being the main attraction.

“This festival gives local businesses the opportunity to promote their business and is of great economic benefit to the village.

“This festival has also had a huge positive impact on the community. It has encouraged a feel good factor with over 100 volunteers working tirelessly over the nine days including the provision of food for the volunteers.

“All the funds raised are invested back into the community and since its origin in 2009 it has provided the funds to purche the old Methodist Church and the previous Civil Defence Hall with a view to bringing both buildings back into community use.

“Durrow Development Forum have every right to right to be proud of their achievements and Laois County Council are delighted to be associated with and work with the Forum in helping them to achieve their objectives.”

Clr. John King with members of Durrow Development Forum , at the Reception in their honour at County Hall Portlaoise. Photo: Michael Scully
Clr. John King presenting an inscribed silver tray to Mary Walsh, Treasurer, Durrow Community Forum , at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully
Clr. John King ( Cathaoirleach, Laois Co Council ) presenting a framed Certificate of Achievement to Evelyn Clancy ( Chairperson, Durrow Community Forum ) , at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully- no reproduction fee.
Members of Durrow Community Forum pictured at the reception in County Hall with Donal Carroll ( Director of Services ) Clr. Brendan Phelan, Clr. James Kelly, John Mulholland ( Chief Executive ), Evelyn Clancy ( Chairperson, Durrow Forum ), Clr. John King ( Cathaoirleach ), Mary Walsh ( Treasurer, Durrow Forum ), Clr. Pauline Madigan, Clr. Padraig Fleming and Carmel Mc. Nicholl ( Senior Ex. Officer ). Photo:Michael Scully
Evelyn Cancy ( Chairperson, Durrow Developmen Forum), speaking at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully
Clr. James Kelly, Fred Townsend, Margaret ConroyBrian Edwards and Ger Conroy, at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully
Ger Conroy, Jim Kells and Sean Conroy, at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully
Tommy Ferns, Canon Patrick Harvey, Clr. John King ( Cathaoirleach ), Eamonn Holohan and ( back ) Marian and P.J. Aylward , at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully
Clr. Padraig Fleming, Emer O’Brien, Evelyn Clancy and Noel Clancy, at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully
Caroline Dunne ( Laois Co. Council), Clr. John King ( Cathaoirleach ) and Clr. Pauline Madigan, at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully
Ned O’Flanagan,David Finnegan,Paul O’Brien, Clr. James Kelly,Paul Kelly, Ger Alley, Jim Clancy and Clr. John King ( Cathaoirleach ) at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully
Breda Dowling and Marian Aylward, at the Cathaoirleach’s Reception for Durrow Development Forum in County Hall, Portlaoise. Photo:Michael Scully

SEE ALSO – Property Watch: Five homes around Laois priced at around €150,000