Local Government
Port Laoise Town Council is an elected local government body which is mandated under the Local Government Act 2001 to provide civic leadership and a forum for the democratic representation of the community. Responsibilities include amenity support, operation of the Litter Act, contribution to tourism development, event licensing, arts support, etc. The Town Council executive comprises nine elected Councillors, headed by the town mayor. The current mayor is Matthew Keagan. The current make up of the Town Council is three Fine Gael, two Sinn Féin, two Fianna Fáil and two Independent members.
The town forms part of the seven member Portlaoghaise Local Electoral Area for elections to Laois County Council. This includes both the urban Port Laoise area and surrounding rural areas.
Portlaoise is twinned with Coulounieix-Chamiers in the Dordogne département of France.
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