County Laois was awarded five Green Flags at the 2025 Green Flag Awards, which celebrate the recognition of Ireland’s best parks and green spaces.
In Ireland, An Taisce is the national operator, and has delivered the Green Flag Award since 2016.
Father Breen Park in Abbeyleix was awarded the Community Green Flag and Green Flags were awarded to Páirc an Phobail, Memorial Park and Fitzmaurice Park in Portlaoise, as well as People’s Park in Portarlington.
The Green Flag Community Award brings the award to community initiatives such as Community Gardens, Community Parks, and Tidy Towns Projects.
By acknowledging the work done by local groups this Community Award helps empower community groups to improve their local area and environment.
Simon Walton, Director of Services at Laois County Council reflected on the awards.
He said: “We are delighted to see Green Spaces in County Laois receiving the recognition they deserve.
“This achievement reflects the incredible dedication of local communities in caring for and enhancing their surroundings.
“At Laois County Council, we are proud to champion these initiatives and remain committed to ensuring that every resident in Laois can enjoy access to vibrant, welcoming green spaces.”
The Green Flag Award scheme aims to encourage the provision of good quality public parks and green spaces that are managed in environmentally sustainable ways.
The Green Flag Award is a non-profit international accreditation program that recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces.
The Green Flag Award is managed by the UK environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under license from the UK Government and delivered in partnership through a network of national operators around the world.
The international Green Flag Award was awarded to 128 Irish Parks, Gardens, Greenways and Wildlife Sanctuaries around the country on Wednesday November 12, an increase of 8 awards since last year.
The awards ceremony took place at Maynooth University Campus in Kildare.
In Ireland the Green Flag Community Award scheme is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.
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