Laois Civil Defence operates as the reserve emergency service for County Laois. It exists to provide assistance to the community and to assist other emergency services where necessary. It also cooperates with the Radiological Protection Institute within the framework of the national emergency plan for dealing with radiological emergencies. During wartime it is responsible for measures dealing with protection of the civilian population.

It's a voluntary part-time service; members up to the rank of the Civil Defence Officer are unpaid. Civil Defence operates both under central (Department of Defence) and local (Local County Council) control. Funding is split 70:30 respectively.

Volunteers are trained and equipped to carry out their various roles. Activities are based around units located around the county, their locations are indicated on the map. County headquarters is located in Portlaoise.

If you are from the area, and are interested in joining, new members are always welcome. You can find more details about joining here.

This section contains details about the different aspects of Laois Civil Defence. The information is being built on and revised constantly, so it should develop at a steady pace. If you want more specific information about any topic feel free to contact us and we'll try to help. If anyone has any ideas / suggestions for the content of the site, they're welcome as well.