Laois TD praises new consultation process in community and voluntary sector
A Laois TD has said a new consultation process offers stakeholders “an opportunity to contribute directly” to the Government’s new strategy in the community and voluntary sector.
Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, recently announced the commencement of the new stakeholder consultation.
Laois Fine Gael TD Willie Aird welcomed the news, saying the consultation will give organisations across the sector “an opportunity to contribute directly” to the new strategy, adding that the consultation “recognises the critical role the community and voluntary sector plays in Irish society.”
Deputy Aird said: “I hope that the new strategy will be built on the shared values and principles that strengthen effective cooperation and partnership between the community and voluntary sector at both local and national level.
“This consultation is a vital opportunity for community and voluntary organisations – particularly in rural counties like County Laois – to have their voices heard in shaping future policy.
“The sector plays a crucial role in supporting our communities, and I strongly welcome Minister Buttimer’s initiative to build a new strategy that reflects today’s needs and tomorrow’s ambitions. I would encourage all local groups to take part in the consultation and make their views known.
“The Government is very aware of the central role of the community and voluntary sector in building a more inclusive, empowered, equitable and prosperous society which is essential to rural and community development.”
The online stakeholder consultation will remain open until close of business on Friday, August 15.
Joey Kennedy appointed Fianna Fáil Local Area Representative for Graiguecullen-Portarlington
Laois Fianna Fáil has appointed Joey Kennedy as the party’s Local Area Representative for the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District.
Mr Kennedy currently serves as Vice Chair of Laois Fianna Fáil CDC and runs his own business in Portarlington, Willow and Green furniture, which has been open for four years. His next venture, Burn Gym, will be opening in the coming weeks.
Mr Kennedy was the youngest candidate in the country when he ran in the 2024 Local Elections last June.
The party said that Mr Kennedy brings “a strong commitment to community development, grassroots engagement, and public service. His appointment reflects Fianna Fáil’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its presence at local level in County Laois.”
Commenting on his appointment the new Vice Chair said: “I am honoured to be selected as a Local Area representative. I fully appreciate the trust the party is placing in me with this, and I am humbled by this honour.
“Portarlington has become one of the fastest growing towns in the country and there is a need for services to keep pace with this population boom. With this growing population there is a need for strong representation so we aren’t left behind.
“As a local business owner myself I know the struggles that small business face and want to be a voice for SME’s in Laois.”
Mr Kennedy said housing was the number one issue affecting his generation: “I am ‘generation rent’, the generation that has been locked out of the property market by failed housing policies for the last decade.
“I see many people I grew up with and went to school with, choosing to emigrate, with the primary reason for this being the inability to get their foot on the property ladder.
“I want to be the voice for those of us who are feeling the brunt of the housing crisis and to see meaningful, sustained and impactful change in this key area. Everyone should have access to their own home. We deserve home ownership being a viable ambition for us.”
Welcoming the appointment, Fianna Fáil TD for Laois Seán Fleming said: “Joey has shown outstanding hard work and dedication to his community and will be a strong voice for the people of Portarlington.”
The appointment came at the AGM for Laois Fianna Fáil, where William Delaney from the Pike of Rushall was selected to take over as Chairperson from Mountmellick native Joe Dunne.
Eimhin McEvoy from Portlaoise remains on as Secretary of the CDC with Trumra born, Portlaoise based teacher Rita Holland joining Liám McMahon from Portarlington as joint Treasurers.
The role of Women’s and Equality was taken up by Castletown native Lindsay Cuddy, while PRO of the CDC is now Ross Molloy from Stradbally.
Laois TDs part of inaugural Oireachtas Heart and Stroke group meeting
Two Laois TDs have participated in “vital public health support” at the inaugural Oireachtas Heart and Stroke group meeting on heart failure at Leinster House.
Independent Republican Brian Stanley and Fine Gael’s Willie Aird are backing a call for the estimated 2,462 people living with heart failure in Laois to receive greater access to cardiac rehabilitation, psychological support and help to ease financial hardship caused by the condition.
Both Laois TDs are members of the group, set up by the Irish Heart Foundation, which heard from heart failure patients, professors, consultants and doctors.
They spoke about Ireland’s “rapidly growing cardiac condition” – a chronic disease that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t pump blood as well as it should – and the disabilities and challenges faced by the estimated 137,000 people living with heart failure in Ireland.
“The HSE has estimated that 30 per cent of heart failure patients are back in hospital within 90 days of discharge,” said Chris Macey, Director of Advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation.
“Half of all admissions are due to poor self-care and are therefore largely preventable. Heart failure patients, along with others living with heart disease and stroke, need more help to address the psychological impact of their condition, financial hardship that can result and gain greater access to rehabilitation services.
“The purpose of this new group is to ensure that services and supports for people affected by cardiovascular disease are prioritised in Laois and across the country.”
SEE ALSO – LoveLaois Podcast: The Laois man working at his fourth British and Irish Lions Tour
