Minister's pride as three local areas are named among Ireland's 'best places to live'

Speaking in the Seanad yesterday (Tuesday), local Minister of State Pippa Hackett spoke of her pride at the town of Tullamore and two areas in Laois, Abbeyleix and Ballinakill, making the Irish Times' list of 'The 20 Best Places To Live In Ireland'.

The newspaper's list, published earlier this month, stated that Tullamore "has everything one might want in terms of services and it is an excellent location for someone who needs to travel across the country for work.

"It lacks no amenity or facility and ticks all the boxes as a great place to live."

It also praised Abbeyleix as being a "beautiful town with a vibrant community", while the village of Ballinakill was recognised as a place that's "litter-free, with lovely walks, heritage cottages and an impressive old church of Ireland."

Minister of State Hackett used her 'Order of Business' speech in the Seanad to congratulate the three areas on this achievement, saying she felt a real thrill and sense of pride when she saw them on the Irish Times' list.

"It emphasised to me the need for us to take time every so often, to recognise, and celebrate, what we have," said the Green Party representative.

"Tullamore, Ballinakill, Abbeyleix, and many other towns like them, are places where people feel connected and feel part of the community.

"We need more of that. And this Government is working hard to provide it. We have a Rural Future policy, as well as a Town Centres First one.

"We are connecting people with broadband and active travel infrastructure, and supporting new job creation through the Just Transition Fund.

"The sense of 'community' can easily get lost in cities, as well as in isolated rural homes miles from a local village.

"But in many of our country's towns, community is thriving. Let's recognise that, value it, celebrate it, and nurture it," she concluded.