Major new developments have been planned for one of Laois’s biggest towns, with funding allocated for two community development projects.
Mountmellick United AFC have applied to Laois County Council for planning permission for an ambitious redevelopment at Smiths Field.
The site was Mountmellick United’s home ground for many years before they moved across the Owenass River to the club’s new home, Conor Davis Park.
The proposed development would consist of:
- Replacing the existing grass pitch with a new AstroTurf playing surface,
- New perimeter fencing to the pitch,
- New footpaths and public lighting,
- A new footbridge over the Owenass River.
The new footbridge will link Conor Davis Park with Smiths Field and very much symbolise the link the between the old and the new of Mountmellick United.
The club was recently awarded €92,153 for “facilities upgrade and grounds development” as part of Sports Capital and Equipment Grant scheme that saw €6.2 million injected into Laois.
Meanwhile, the the Housing Finance Agency (HFA) has announced funding for a garden and children’s play area in the town.
Clúid Housing will receive funding for a garden and children’s play area at the Cullenbeg Park Community Centre which will provide a new enclosed space for children attending the Early Childhood Care and Education Programme, as well as other community groups.
It is part of a €250,000 HFA fund designed to support Approved Housing Bodies and Local Authorities in the delivery of community-enhancing initiatives and facilities such as play spaces, community gardens, and wellbeing and biodiversity programmes.
Twelve projects were chosen by the HFA from eight different counties across the country, with Mountmellick the only Laois benefactor.
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