Carmel Hayes

Portlaoise

Journalist at Laois Nationalist

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Articles

Funds roll in for Laois escape artist pig

2 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

AN UNUSUAL fundraiser for an escape artist Laois pig has passed the half-way mark after just one week. After countless breakouts from his home in Ballinakill, the cheeky rescue called Arnold needs expensive steel railings to keep him safe. The porcine Houdini has his own ‘secret garden’ but constantly escapes to the adjoining grounds, where a deep pond poses a major threat to his future.
Big pharma firm to bring Laois jobs boost

2 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Joe Barrett |Carmel Hayes

A MAJOR pharmaceutical company is on its way to Laois, bringing a welcome jobs boost for the county. BNL Sciences Ltd, which is part of international pharma firm Caldic, plans to construct a new plant at the J17 National Enterprise Park in Portlaoise. Established in 2003, BNL Sciences is one of the leading distributors of high purity chemicals to the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland and is part of a strong global operation.
House prices soar in Laois

2 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

PROPERTY prices in Laois have soared by more than 22% since last year, making the county the most expensive place in the midlands to buy a home. Laois also recorded the highest number of house sales in the midlands during the first quarter of this year, according to the latest national Geowox Housing Report.
Clonaslee flood scheme moves a step closer

2 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

A LONG-AWAITED flood relief scheme for Clonaslee has moved a step closer, with a planning application about to be lodged with An Bord Pleanála (ABP). Minister of State Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran, who has responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), announced on Friday that the OPW has approved the scheme, designed to protect 74 properties at risk from flooding.
HSE gives green light for headstone at tragic Laois burial site

2 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

PLANS to commemorate up to 2,000 adults and children buried in former workhouse grounds in Laois have received a green light from the HSE. A memorial headstone for a six-year-old boy and a limestone reflection seat will be installed at the old famine workhouse burial ground known as ‘Gate to Heaven’. The tragic site is located behind the Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit, formerly the district hospital, where the workhouse was located.
Laughter and learning at Laois Live Well Expo

2 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

A DAY of laughter, learning and connection brought more than 2,000 people to the 2025 Live Well Expo in Laois, marking a third successful year for the ever-growing community event. Portlaoise College was buzzing with more than 110 exhibition stands, as the event was launched by legendary Laois Age Friendly Ambassador and National Ploughing Association managing director Anna May McHugh (90) on Wednesday 23 April.
6,500 poo bags swiped in Laois town

2 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

A TOTAL of 6,500 poo bags have been swiped in a Laois town in just six weeks, an average of more 1,000 a week. ‘There's no way that many dogs are being walked,’ Mountmellick Tidy Towns said on social media, as they appealed to people to stop bringing the bags home. In a ‘Mystery of The Disappearing Poo Bags’ update on Saturday, the group said it took just six weeks for 6,500 bags to vanish from Mutt Mitt dispensers around the town.
Portlaoise is buzzing with beautiful biodiversity plan

3 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

PORTLAOISE is buzzing as a five-year biodiversity action plan transforms barren corners and lifts spirits throughout the town. The ambitious plan launched by Portlaoise Tidy Towns two years ago is already having an impact, as the group works to create ‘A Town in a Garden’. In a scheme unique to Portlaoise, one million spring bulbs were planted on the majority of approach roads and green areas in the town.
Management agreement signed for vandalised Laois playground

3 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

AN AGREEMENT has been signed for the management of a newly redeveloped Laois playground, whose opening was delayed for weeks because of repeated vandalism. Portarlington Community Development Association (PCDA) will be a partner to Laois County Council in the management of the new public playground, located in the town’s People’s Park. PCDA chairman Aidan Mullally met with council official Audrey Brennan in county hall on Thursday 24 April, to sign the playground management agreement.
Masked raiders try to break into Laois home - News - Laois Nationalist

3 weeks ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

MASKED raiders attempted to break in to a home in a Laois housing estate soon after midnight last night, according to a resident. The woman reported that burglars tried to enter the house in Portarlington via the back door, between 1am and 2am this morning. Fortunately, the burglars were scared off by the woman’s husband and fled the scene in the Cathair Na gCapall estate. The incident follows reports of attempted burglaries involving three males in the town’s Station Court over the past few days.