Demolition of Laois school to be considered in blueprint for village

The Ballyroan Community Development Association is seeking expressions of interest from a design team to prepare a Community Development Plan for Ballyroan up to 2033.

The association says the plan must have a strong focus on the public realm and will address the social, economic, cultural, environmental and physical opportunities and challenges in village and its hinterland.

The also want a strong emphasis to be placed on collaboration with the local community as the association says buy-in will be the key to the success of this project.

In a tender invited bids for the contract, the Association say the plan will provide a detailed design and costings for the recently acquired ‘playground site’, incorporating plans already prepared for a playground and multi-use games area space.

It will assess in detail, opportunities for the site, including hard and soft landscaping, the removal or re-use of the ‘old school building’ and costs and funding streams for any proposals on the site.

The association also wants a Plan that they say will provide “a vision for the development of the whole village” supported by local community.

“It is envisaged that the Community Plan will provide a basis for community groups to seek funding from multiple streams and will offer the opportunity for the delivery of a coordinated programme of investment for the area,” it said.

The association wants the final plan detailed drawings for the development of the ‘Playground Site’, including detailed costings associated with the proposal.

The also want elements to deliver the Vision addressing issues such as the public realm, urban environment, potential for development, housing, improved connectivity in the village and to the wider hinterland and surrounding amenities.

They also want the final Plan to identify key projects to be progressed. It requires an implementation plan and the identification of funding streams to deliver the aims.

The Association says the Ballyroan Community Development Plan will be co-ordinated and led by the steering committee while an internal working group will be established to support the development of the Plan.

It is hoped to appoint designers in early June 2023, with work to commence immediately. The final Plan will be due for submission in November 2023, or as otherwise agreed upon appointment.

The association envisages spending no more than €53,000 including VAT on the plan.