New hopes for Laois town hit by vacancies as big plan launched

New energy and hope has bloomed in Rathdowney for a brighter future with the launch of the town’s first masterplan.

The Marian Centre was packed last Tuesday evening, December 12 with local people eager to get the first read of the Rathdowney Town Centre First Plan, a weighty 208 page report by KPMG consultants.

The consultants, funded by a €100,000 grant awarded to the town last year, analysed Rathdowney top to toe, including its high vacancy rate, traffic, its socio-economics, amenities and heritage buildings.  They also ran surveys to gather local input.

Among the plan's objectives is to use the town’s strong central public design to encourage residents to use the town centre more, including better use of the town centre pond and square. 

It also suggests ways to support the creation of a vibrant business sector, such as widened footpaths, formalised parking to one side only of the main street and traffic calming.

The plan suggests a bus service to Ballybrophy train station, and better support of community organisations in future plans to make Rathdowney a better place to live.

A newly formed Town Team of local and council figures will work on making the plan’s objectives and visions a reality. 

It is headed up by Denise Rainey from Laois County Council who MC’d the launch and has been appointed as Rathdowney’s Town Regeneration Officer.

She urged the local community to come forward with any ideas as now with a plan in place, funding can easily be sought.

“Rathdowny faces dereliction, like other towns, a lot of people shop online and go less into the local shops. It has beautiful assets and now a Town Team. We are open to more people coming on board,” she said.

She told the Leinster Express how it came about.

“It is all based on a ‘town centre first’ policy. The €100,000 grant was awarded in February last year to 26 pathfinder towns and Rathdowney was one.”

She described the particular issues that were found in the town.

“There is no coffee shop, or gift shop. The only restaurant is outside town in the golf club. We do have a butchers, a clothes shop and a chemist but Rathdowney needs something more. In that way it is no different than many other towns. 

“What’s different here is the Town Team will be at the centre of developments. It is made up of community people coming from within.  Our job is to help people find funds and the team really have hit the ground running.

“I am thrilled with the turnout tonight. There is no point talking to ourselves, we need to hear from the public, from businesses and residents, and for people to know who we are. Rathdowney people have been very receptive to the plan,” she said.

Director of Services Donal Brennan told the full audience that there is money to be had.

“I have never seen as many grants available as in the past few years. The money is there but you have to have the ideas. Denise will work with you and keep you informed of grants available. So rather than put a Santa hat on put on your thinking caps and see what your town needs,” he urged. 

A local musician also spoke at the launch.

Paul O’Brien of The High Kings was presented with a gift of a beautiful spalted beech mirror handcrafted by the members of Rath Men’s Shed, handed over by Oliver Kennedy who described him as ‘a legend of our town’ just like the name of his latest CD.

“I hope the people of Rathdowney do come out with ideas, and transform the town back to the old times when everything was busy,” Paul said.

James Ryan of PP Ryan & Co Solicitors is the chair of the town team. 

He told the Leinster Express about his hopes for the town he grew up in and has now returned to to raise his family.

“It’s basically to make Rathdowney as good as possible for the next generation. So when they grow up they don’t have to leave. They will have a job here, a good quality of life and a social life.

“I think that’s the impetus behind the plan. Rathdowney used to be a great town but it has lost its way,” he said.

Fr Martin Delaney PP of Rathdowney is also on the team.

“Anything that brings people together and helps the town is good. I’m here 12 years. I hear a lot of conversations lamenting a time that has passed, a lot of nostalgia. This brings us from that, to imagine a better future. It’s about thinking outside the box and working together.

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“People need to be able to enjoy their celebrations and important moments in the town, there is no restaurant and while the pubs serve food not everyone wants to go to a pub. This town is so well located, Limerick is only 45 minutes away,” Fr Delaney said.

Connell Breslin is proprietor of SuperValu in Rathdowney as well as Abbeyleix.

“We needed something like this. It should give us easier access to funding now we have a plan, it’s a fantastic opportunity.

“A lot of funding went to Abbeyleix and Durrow because they had plans, we need people who don’t take no for an answer,” he said.