Carmel Hayes

Portlaoise

Journalist at Laois Nationalist

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Articles

‘Ignorant idiots’ delay opening of Laois playground - again

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

MINDLESS vandalism by ‘ignorant idiots’ has delayed the opening of a redeveloped Laois playground, for the second time within weeks. A platform in the new Tower Unit at the playground in Portarlington was destroyed on Monday night and cannot be replaced, until a part arrives from the manufacturer in Europe. Meanwhile, contractors at the site have been abused and threatened by people trying to enter the playground while works are in progress. The matter has been reported to gardaí.
Laois Business Awards finalists are revealed - News - Laois Nationalist

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

FINALISTS for the 2025 Laois Business Awards have been announced by Laois Chamber Alliance, in partnership with Laois County Council. The gala awards ceremony, celebrating ‘excellence, innovation and resilience’, will be held on Friday 9 May at The Heritage, Killenard, hosted by broadcaster Ivan Yates. The black-tie evening starting at 6pm will include a drinks reception, a three-course gourmet dinner and live band The Vows.
Laois hair salon saved from closure

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

A POPULAR Laois hair salon that was due to close down this Saturday has been saved at the 11th hour. Society Salons in Portarlington will remain open under new management, after a group of staff joined forces to keep the business in operation. While senior stylist Hayley Davies is departing to work nearer her new home in Co Kildare, most of the current team will remain at the busy salon on Main Street, Portarlington, including Emma Jane Murphy, Georgina Flynn and Casey Clarke.
Car drove towards Portlaoise gardaí on wrong side of the road - News - Laois Nationalist

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

GARDAÍ patrolling the Portlaoise Plaza area last night met a car coming against them on the wrong side of the road. The Volkswagen saloon, which had illegally tinted number plates, was quickly pulled in by the Laois Roads Policing Unit (RPU). In a separate incident, a car was seized from an unaccompanied learner driver with no insurance, who turned away from a checkpoint. The Audi saloon was towed away from the scene and the driver is facing a court appearance for a series of traffic offences.
Tributes as 'too nice' Laois engineer retires

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

WARM tributes have been paid to a popular senior engineer on his retirement from Laois County Council. News of the departure of Philip McVeigh, who was area engineer for the Graiguecullen-Portarlington Municipal District, caused great surprise and regret at the district’s monthly meeting on 16 April. Officials and elected members described Mr McVeigh as “an absolute gentleman” who quietly did an excellent job, with one councillor commenting that he was “probably too nice at times”.
Shock as Portlaoise nursing home to close

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

A WELL-KNOWN private nursing home in Portlaoise has confirmed that it will close down, after 21 years in business. News of the imminent closure of Ballard Lodge Nursing Home has caused shock and distress for residents and their families, who are now faced with trying to find alternative care. The single-storey home on the Borris Road opened in 2004 and has capacity for up to 24 residents. Planning permission was granted some years ago for a large extension but the development stalled.
All Laois playgrounds to get communication boards

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

COMMUNICATION boards for children with special needs are to be installed in all public playgrounds across Laois. The boards are particularly helpful for children with autism and those who have speech or social difficulties, helping them to share in the fun and become more independent. Laois County Council is currently designing a playground communication board, which will be installed in all 19 public playgrounds in the county.
Appeal for more opening hours at Laois garda stations

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

AN APPEAL has been made for longer opening hours at Laois garda stations, amid serious concern over part-time opening in most stations across the county. Latest figures show that eight of the county’s 12 garda stations are open for only one hour each day. Portlaoise is the only garda station open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Other large towns such as Mountmellick and Portarlington are open for only four hours a day and often have to close during those hours if gardaí on duty are called out.
Moves to restore water pump in Laois village

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

A LONG lost water pump that was once a popular meeting place in a local village may be replaced, following a proposal from a councillor. Cllr Ollie Clooney has asked Laois County Council to replace the traditional old water pump in Grantstown, Ballacolla. The Independent councillor said his proposal was prompted by nostalgia, as he remembered a time when the pump was a wonderful meeting place in the village. “People used to meet at the pump and it would be nice to put it back.
Snow is falling in Laois

1 week ago | laois-nationalist.ie | Carmel Hayes

PRINCE was right when he sang ‘Sometimes it snows in April’. Snow is falling in Laois today, just days before Easter Sunday. The unusual transition from sunbathing to snow showers was captured in Wolfhill this morning by Cathal Nolan of Ireland’s Weather Channel. The meteorologist posted an evocative picture (above) of a snow-covered patio and barbecue on the channel’s Facebook page this morning.