Abbeyleix is gearing up to represent Ireland on the international stage in the prestigious Communities in Bloom International Challenge 2025.
Communities in Bloom was established in Canada with the guidance of Britain in Bloom, Ireland’s Tidy Towns and Villes et Villages Fleuris de France, and held its first edition in 1995, when 29 municipalities took part.
The program now includes hundreds of communities across Canada and an international challenge involving communities from the United States, Asia and several European countries, including Ireland.
Abbeyleix won the prestigious title of Ireland’s Tidiest Town in 2023 and went on from there to be chosen by the Dept of Community, Rural Development and the Gaeltacht to represent Ireland internationally in the 2025 Communities in Bloom.
Abbeyleix, renowned for its rich heritage, vibrant community life, and deep commitment to sustainability, has earned its place in the international category following years of dedicated local action through Tidy Towns, environmental initiatives, and community engagement.
Abbeyleix is no stranger to the world stage, having represented Ireland and achieved a Silver Award at the International Livcom Awards in 2012.
Since then, the town has gone from strength to strength in its sustainability and climate action efforts, achieving several gold medals in the Tidy Towns competition and winning an IPB All-Island Pride of Place Award in 2024 for Abbeyleix Bog.
Abbeyleix Tidy Towns Group, supported by Laois County Council, is driving many projects including the development of a ‘Neighbourwood’ and Apiary, Garden of Remembrance, redevelopment of Knocknamoe House and Park, and the jewel in their crown, the Community Garden, as well as establishing Abbeyleix as a Sustainable Economic Community (SEC) and developing policies on pollination and SMART planning for energy conservation.
The vision of the Communities in Bloom competition is to inspire all communities to enhance our quality of life and our environment through people and plants, to create community pride. Their mission to accomplish this is by nurturing environmental sustainability, enhancements of green spaces, and heritage conservation, in cultural and natural environments encompassing municipal, residential, commercial, and institutional spaces.
The Communities in Bloom slogan ‘Growing Great Places Together’ captures the essence of the programme, and this can be seen in the work of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns and their partner groups, and their ongoing tireless work to nurture the natural and built environment and heritage, making their locality the best place to live, work and visit.
This year’s competition theme is ‘Edible Gardens’, suiting Abbeyleix’s many ‘Garden to Fork’ efforts, including the Apiary, Community Garden, orchard development and efforts to mitigate, and adapt to, the effects of our changing climate in local community, business and residences across the locality.
The Judges will evaluate on six key criteria: Community Appearance, Environmental Action, Heritage Conservation, Tree Management, Landscape and Plant and Floral Displays.
The competition will take place on June 26 and 27 in Abbeyleix.
The Communities in Bloom competition is citizen led and aims to grow a sense of civic pride and a positive sense of community, while showing tangible improvements locally, generated by the efforts of all.
As leaders in this space, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns has collaborated with Laois County Council to develop policy and practical solutions for the town and their efforts have been exemplary.
Laois County Council is proud to support Abbeyleix Tidy Towns and the citizens of Abbeyleix in the competition and has been working in close collaboration with local volunteers, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, community groups, schools, and residents to ensure every element of the town is prepared for this unique opportunity.
Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Councillor Pádraig Fleming expressed full support for the town’s bid.
He said: “Abbeyleix is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community works together.
“Their entry into the Communities in Bloom International Challenge showcases not only their beauty and biodiversity, but also their innovation and strong sense of identity. Laois County Council is honoured to support their efforts.”
Chief Executive of Laois County Council, Michael Rainey, also wished them well.
He said: “Abbeyleix’s success to date is a testament to what can be achieved when a local authority works in partnership with a strong community and where ambition, collaboration and excellence are at the heart of local development.
“We commend the people of Abbeyleix for their leadership and vision and look forward to welcoming the Communities in Bloom judges to Laois.”
During the judging, Laois County Council, led by Mr. Michael Rainey, Chief Executive will make a presentation on the efforts of the local authority and its important collaborative work to support communities like Abbeyleix.
The judges will then be treated to a tour of locations in Abbeyleix by the Tidy Towns and other groups, demonstrating all the efforts being made to provide real and meaningful environmental solutions that benefit their town for now and the future.
Best of luck to all involved!
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