Earlier today, we brought you the news that Portarlington had benefited with €500,000 worth of funding from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
This money will be used to develop a community park, plaza and event space.
However, four other areas across Laois have also benefited from the funding – Mountmellick, Ballyroan, Ballinakill and Abbeyleix.
€250,000 is going to Ballinakill for the development of Ballinakill Amenity Park and outdoor swimming pool.
This is to include provision of a MUGA including floodlights, pool upgrade through lining and waterproofing and accessible parking with a drop zone to accommodate increased visitor numbers.
Mountmellick is to receive €67,500 to enhance car parking at Mountmellick Community Arts Centre to include resurfacing of accessible parking facilities, in addition to the installation of smart benches and bike stands.
€100,000 is going to Abbeyleix under the Streetscape Enhancement Measure while Ballyroan is to get €50,000 for a feasibility study to determine the potential future uses of the vacant/derelict former old boys school in Ballyroan village.
Laois TD Sean Fleming welcomed the funding for the four areas plus Portarlington.
He said: “These projects have been supported by the Local Communities and Laois County Council and I want to acknowledge the great work by them in submitting strong applications for funding.
“We, at Government level, have responded to the ongoing need to breath new life into our towns and villages and to improve the quality of these areas as places to live.
“Now that the funding has been approved, I look forward to these substantial works being commenced as early as possible in the New Year so the public can get the benefit of these investments.”
While Fine Gael Councillor Barry Walsh, who represents Ballyroan, Ballinakill and Abbeyleix as part of the Portlaoise District, also welcomed the news.
He said: “I have witnessed first hand the hard work carried out by the committees in Ballinakill and Abbeyleix and I am actively involved in the Ballyroan Development Association.
“These announcements today are fully deserved and will help to further contribute to the regeneration and enhancement of all areas.
“The vision and foresight of the committees will allow them to complete the relevant works.”
SEE ALSO – Portarlington community project to receive €500,000 funding from Town and Village Renewal Scheme
