Laois Heritage and Biodiversity Strategy 2021 – 2026

The Laois Heritage and Biodiversity Strategy 2021 – 2026 was adopted in December 2021. 

The Laois Heritage Forum is a partnership body with representation from all groups with an interest in the heritage of County Laois. The Forum is involved in the writing of each plan and also in its day-to-day implementation.

The Heritage Council supports the writing of each Laois Heritage Plan and provides annual funding for its implementation. We are very grateful for their assistance.

Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Catherine Fitzgerald, Catherine Casey, Laois Heritage Officer; David Walsh Kemmis, Bernie Foran, County Librarian and Sinead Holland, Laois Libraries Archives at Ballykilcavan Estate, Stradbally to commemorate the donation by the Walsh Kemmis family of digitised maps of the Ballykilcavan Estate to the new Laois Digital Archive. The Laois Digital Archive is an initiative of Laois Library Service, and is supported by Creative Ireland Laois as part of the Creative Ireland Programme (2017-2022) in partnership with Laois County
Council. Picture: Alf Harvey.

Laois Heritage Plan 2014 – 2019

The third Heritage Plan for County Laois was adopted by the Elected Members of Laois County Council on 27th January 2014 and launched on 9th July. The Heritage Plan set the agenda for action for heritage in Laois over the five year period 2014 – 2019. It was extended to cover the period to the end of 2020. A report on its implementation is here.

Pictured at the launch of Laois Heritage Plan 2014 – 2019 at Roundwood House , Mountrath in July 2014, Cllr. Catherine Fitzgerald (Leas Cathaoirleach),Peter Carey (C.E. Laois County Council) and Teddy Fennelly (Chairman Laois Heritage Forum). Photo: Michael Scully

Laois Heritage Plan 2007 – 2011

The second Heritage Plan for Laois, which ran from 2007 to 2011 and was extended to cover 2012 and 2013, was adopted in December 2006. The Laois Heritage Plan 2007 – 2011 is available to download, or can be ordered from the Laois Heritage Office.

A review of the projects undertaken through the period of the second Laois Heritage Plan can be found here.

Laois Heritage Plan 2002 – 2006

The first Heritage Plan for County Laois ran from 2002 to 2006. During 2006, this first plan was independently evaluated, and a summary of projects undertaken in each year is available. Many of the projects and experiences of the first plan have informed the development of the second and third Heritage Plans for Laois.