New vision for Laois town of Mountrath hailed as community urged to form town team

The practical realisation of the Sustainable Communities Plan for Mountrath and it recommdations is now the focus of the local community following the presentation of the plan last week.

Brenda Grady of the Mountrath Town Strategy Group suggested that because of its scale it was a project for Laois County Council. She noted that a Town Regeneration Officer had been appointed and that this was the perfect project for this office.

She emphasised that the resounding message to send to the Council was that this plan should not remain on the shelf.

The CEO of Laois County Council John Mulholland told the meeting that there had to be a sense of prioritisation. He said that back land development was very difficult.

"Pick one priority,""s aid Mr Mulholland. He also suggested one town team. "There has to be unity of purpose. What is needed is one town team that is very effective and is open to ideas.

He advised them to take simple steps first. "Make the town centre attractive, that will get people talking about the place.

He congratulated Bloom HQ, which he said had lifted the town up.

He told the meeting that the sourcing of funding is very important. "Once you have a plan in place you can make the case for funding," he stated, noting such schemes as the Town Regeneration Fund.

“In the history of the State there was never as much funding available. Get your town team together, and agree your priorities. We will support you fully.”

From the floor, PJ Gorman said it was a fantastic plan but asked who was running the town team. He noted it was the third meeting around the plan and said one team, one leader was needed. "The plan is fantastic but no one seems to be driving it.”

Brenda Grady said there was a town team but it had ceased during covid. It had been comprised of business representatives, councillors and representatives of different community groups.

Gavin Veeran of urbanARQ noted that Brenda Grady and Gina Reidy had done a fantastic job.

Cllr James Kelly said it was a vision for the town. Key projects for the town had to be identified and now there was a plan in place and an opportunity to get working on it.

"Mountrath was a great place to grow up in. It's a great place to live in, do business in and socialise in.

"We have timed parking in the town now. The town is going in the right direction and we now have the opportunity to source funding. I am delighted with this presentation,” he stated.

Fr Joe Brophy emphasised the importance of coming up with a team to drive the plan. It was agreed to hold a subsequent meeting within the coming week