'Economic stagnation' in Laois town with scores of vacant buildings

A new regeneration plan for Mountmellick paints a picture of a Laois town that has been left behind by rapidly expanding Portlaoise and Portarlington.

Commissioned by Laois County Council, the draft Mountmellick Town Centre First Plan includes some stark findings that require urgent action since external consultants began work on a regeneration blueprint in November 2024.

A multidisciplinary team from SLR Consulting was commissioned to develop the Town Centre in collaboration with the Mountmellick Town Team. A similar process was carried out in Rathdowney under the Government's Town Centre First policy.

Work is now complete on the first version of the plan to allow the public to have their say.

It provides evidence of the challenges faced by a town which was once dubbed the Manchester of the midlands because of its economic success. The report says that at one point, Mountmellick was the "first town of the county in terms of wealth, industry". It has since slipped behind Portlaoise and Portarlington.

The town's economic and demographic decline is illustrated by what the report says about empty buildings. The report found more than 70 vacant or derelict homes and 20 commercial properties of the same status in the town centre. 

"Vacancy and dereliction is a very apparent issue within Mountmellick, with many buildings visibly uncared for and in a state of vacancy throughout the town and along the high street. It is very much an issue which needs to be addressed with some urgency and there is clear evidence that the community want to improve the issue, with groups such as, Tidy Towns. Tidy Towns have worked to try and improve the external appearance of several buildings, and brighten up Mountmellick through colourful motifs.

"It is positive that only five properties in total are derelict but a with a total number of 86 vacant properties, there is an issue which needs to be responded to.

Dereliction and vacancy is a major issue in Mountmellick which impacts the feel, look and opportunities within the town centre. Improving the appearance of vacant buildings can boost the appeal of a neighbourhood, deter vandalism, and even attract potential tenants or investors," says the draft plan. MORE BELOW VACANCY MAP.

The town also faces economic problems resulting in poor employment prospects.

"Despite this, Mountmellick faces a significant unemployment issue, with a rate of 12.5% (as per the CSO figures for 2022), nearly three times the national average of 4.5%. This high unemployment rate is compounded by a declining town centre, limited local employment options, and a high level of out-commuting for work with only 22.8% of residents working within the settlement (CSO, 2022). One in five commercial buildings in the town are vacant, indicating economic stagnation," it found.

This is seen to have an impact in combination with other factors.

"The high unemployment rate, poor educational attainment and low skill base are indicators of higher deprivation in the area. In the housing sector, the median price of a dwelling in the Borris/Mountmellick area was €150,000, with the median income of purchasers at €52,600 annually. These figures are lower than those in nearby areas like Portlaoise, indicating more affordable housing options," it said.

Population trends also emerge as an impediment even though it has the third largest settlement in Laois.

"Mountmellick’s population has shown modest growth, increasing by 2.7% between 2016 and 2022 to reach 4,905 residents. The population is increasing, there is expected to be a further 6.6% increase from 2022 to 2027," it says.

The draft plan finds evidence of strong foundations upon which a recovery can be built.

"One of Mountmellick’s greatest strengths is its enduring sense of community spirit. The town combines a rich heritage with a forward-looking approach to community development," says the document which also finds that the town is well provided for in regards to services.

The five key priority projects identified are as follows:

• O’Connell Square
• Smiths Field Park
• Public realm improvements
• River Walk
• Revitalise the town centre
• Trail Head to the Slieve Blooms

Opportunity sites were identified by the authors:

• ‘Whites’ Site -14-15 Patrick St
• Mountmellick Community School, Patrick Street
• Williams House, Parnell Street
• ‘Whites building’, Lord Edward Street
• Tirlán CountryLife, Market Street
• Link from O’Connell Square to the MDA
• Central Garages, Emmett Street
• Smiths Field Housing Development
• The Maltings Site
• No. 3 The Square

Frain Baker is Chairperson of the Mountmellick Town Team. While the blueprint includes an implementation plan, he highlighted what will be required to deliver on the ambitions. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"The projects contained in this plan will require investment from local and national Government but we believe with the support of the local community and in collaboration with stakeholders such as Laois County Council, the Office of Public works and the public and private sector we are confident that we will deliver these projects over the next 10 years," he wrote in the introduction.

Laois County Council’s Regeneration Section, in partnership with the Mountmellick Town Team and SLR Consulting, invite residents, businesses, and members of the wider community to an information evening on the proposals.

Town Regeneration Officer, Denise Rainey, urged people to have their say.

“We are encouraging all members of the community to attend this information session which is being held specifically for the residents of the town. Your input will play a vital role in ensuring that the final plan reflects the needs, aspirations, and potential of Mountmellick and all its inhabitants. We look forward to welcoming you for an informative and productive evening," she said.

READ ALSO: Council to purchase landmark Laois building

The event takes place at the Mountmellick Library on Tuesday, June 17 – 5.30pm – 7.30pm.

The plan will be on public display in the offices of the Mountmellick Development Association, the offices of Laois County Council Portlaoise and online at www.laois.ie. from Thursday, June 12 and on the consultation portal.

Submissions can be made online at link on registration or, by email to LS-TownRegeneration-Team@laoiscoco.ie or in hard copy to Town Regeneration Officer, Laois County Council, County Hall, Portlaoise up until Friday, July 11 at 4pm.

For more information contact Laois County Council, Regeneration Office: LS-TownRegeneration-Team@laoiscoco.ie

Laois consultation portal Mountmellick's Draft Town Centre First Plan Consultation | Laois County Council Consultation Portal

Laois.ie Mountmellick Draft Town Centre First Plan Consultation | Laois County Council