Portarlington has secured €500,000 for a new community development under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
This money will be used to develop a community park, plaza and event space.
The news was confirmed by Fine Gael TD Martin Heydon, Fine Gael Councillor PJ Kelly, Sinn Fein Councillor Aidan Mullins, TD Cathal Berry and Minister Pippa Hackett.
Minister Heydon said: “Cllr PJ Kelly and I can confirm that our colleague Minister Heather Humphreys has allocated half a million euro to Portarlington for the development of a community park, plaza and event space.
“The initiative is part of Our Rural Future funding which aims to develop these kinds of amenities across Ireland and will see increased investment out to 2025 to provide Government investment and support in towns and villages, such as Portarlington, as hubs of economic and social activity.
“This funding today is fantastic news and acts as another example of us working together to continue investment for towns and communities across the constituency.”
Cllr PJ Kelly said: “This exciting new development will work as an amenity for locals in the town and a great attraction for the tourists who will provide excellent economic benefit to the area.”
Cllr Mullins said: “I’ve campaigned for the last few years with the Council to prepare a Regeneration Plan for Portarlington which is now in place.
“In tandem with this I requested that the People’s Park be upgraded and the Council commissioned a Masterplan for the Park which was completed in June 2020.
“The development would include a Central Plaza, wildflower meadows, sculptures, disc golf course, an edible garden and updated playground among other features.
“It was seen as a 3 to 5 year plan subject to fundings and, as a member of the People’s Park Committee along with Mary Keogh, I’m delighted.
“I also want to give credit to Anne Marie Maher and Gerry Murphy from Laois County Council who put a lot of effort into this successful funding application.
“It will further enhance the town’s improvement and upgrade which was long overdue.”
Minister Hackett said: “I’m proud to be part of a Government that is making the largest ever investment into our towns and villages.
“This funding will go a long way in tackling dereliction and vacancy, enhancing our streetscapes, creating town centre plazas and the upgrade of town parks and sporting facilities.
“I’m delighted to see almost €1 million for Towns and Villages in Laois, including €500,000 for the implementation of the Portarlington Masterplan, €250,000 for the continued development of the Ballinakill Amenity Park, €100,000 for Abbeyleix Streetscape Enhancement, €67,500 for Mountmellick Community Arts Centre and €50,000 for a feasibility study for the derelict Ballyroan Boys School building.
“This funding is another cog in the wheel of this Government’s rural development policy ‘Our Rural Future’ – bringing life and vibrancy into towns and villages and making them better places to live, work and raise a family.”
TD Cathal Berry: “I’m delighted to confirm that the Portarlington’s People Park has received €500,000 in funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme this morning.
“The project will implement actions identified in the Portarlington landscape masterplan. This will include a central plaza/event space, playground upgrade and the upgrading of park.
“The park area is a fantastic amenity to have in the town to walk, socialise, play and come together for various occasions.
“The funding received today is a further vote of confidence in the development of the town and another piece of the puzzle in the Portarlington Regeneration Strategy 2030.
“I will continue to advocate for more of this type of funding for Portarlington to make it an even better place to live, work and visit.
“Huge gratitude to all involved in central government, local authority and on a community level for securing this funding.
“Great to see further positive progress taking place in the Portarlington area – looking forward to more similar announcements in 2023.”
Minister Heydon continued: “This welcome announcement from Minister Humphreys’ Department means that money will now be in place to progress this project.
“Building on the €1.1m allocation for the Market Square in Portarlington, this investment will have a significantly positive impact on the town, businesses and its residents.
“I look forward to the impact this significant investment in Portarlington will have on the local community in years to come.”
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