Urban regeneration and development projects in Portlaoise are set to receive €3,357,000 in funding projects.
This €3 million forms part of the €30 million allocated to regenerate Midlands towns under Project Ireland 2040.
The biggest winner in the Midlands was Westmeath. Over €12 million is being put towards the rejuvenation of the Blackhall area in Mullingar.
A tourism cultural quarter in Loughanaskin, Athlone, saw an allocation €10 million as well as provision for enhancement of the town centre.
Roughly €9 million has been planned for Laois County Council’s Capital Indicative Programme 2019 – 2021 on Portlaoise’s ‘Cultural Quarter’ over the next three years.
€2,343,000 has been allocated to the creation of a Cultural Quarter around the original historic settlement core of Portlaoise.
€1,014,000 is meant to go towards assisting on delivering on elements of Portlaoise 2040, part of the Ireland 2040 scheme.
Portlaoise’s 2040 plan aims to make it Ireland’s first Low Carbon Town Centre.
Portlaoise was identified as needing to remove car dominance in the town centre and issues around poor pedestrian experiences were raised.
It also aims to encourage a shift towards cycling throughout the wider town.
Funding is for works to complement housing projects being supported by DHPLG.
Speaking from this morning Minister Flanagan stated: “I am delighted that Portlaoise has been announced among the first funding allocations under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
“I want to thank everyone involved in the successful application. This project will improve Portlaoise and enhance the quality of life for the entire area.”
“This fund will run until 2027, with a second call for proposals in 2019, so it is important to stress that there will be further opportunity to re-apply for future funding calls,” said the Fine Gael TD.
Minister Flanagan concluded: “Project Ireland 2040 demonstrates a new approach to planning and development in Ireland, recognizing that we cannot continue with a ‘business as usual’ approach.”
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