Innovative ‘Town in a Garden’ concept
Portlaoise Municipal District is home to Ireland’s first low-carbon town – Portlaoise. The district’s vision is to transform Portlaoise into a ‘town in a garden’ through the Greening in Portlaoise initiative. This initiative is reshaping how the town approaches sustainability, moving beyond ideas to visible action. From planting over 40,000 native trees and a million spring bulbs, to creating meadows, orchards, and even small woodlands, the project is changing the everyday landscape. Green walls, pollinator-friendly roundabouts and river restoration efforts highlight a growing trend of treating urban spaces as ecosystems to be protected. The concept adopted by Laios reflects a well-structured green transition practice, one that can be adapted and applied by other cities aiming to position themselves as pioneers in sustainable tourism.
Community Driving Green Change
In Portlaoise, community involvement plays a key role in the town’s sustainable development, forming one of the main pillars for the implementation of green practices. The Abbeyleix Bog Project is a prime example of community-led nature conservation, managed by local volunteers who restore raised bog habitats and contribute to environmental preservation. The town also organises climate festivals, educational walks, and workshops in partnership with the community to raise awareness and engage citizens. The Community Climate Action Fund has also been established to support and strengthen local groups.
Sustainable Urban Development
The Low Carbon Project, a pioneering initiative in Ireland, presents the town with an innovative and sustainable challenge, aiming to mitigate the environmental impact of urban life in the county. The town has been actively working with its community on the project’s implementations, from reconfiguring traffic flows through the town centre to reduce congestion, to the greening of the town centre, and supporting more active travel through walking and cycling. The initiative is already delivering visible results for the town’s streetscapes, services, and facilities.