Transformational redevelopment of Laois park underway

Transformational redevelopment work has begun on the People’s Park in Portarlington.

The much anticipated work will see a new central plaza, seating, tables, playground equipment, edible garden, tree trail and artwork installed at the People’s Park. 

The work, which is being carried out in phases in order to minimise disruption, is expected to be completed by the end of the year. 

Laois Sinn Fein Cllr Aidan Mullins acknowledged that there had been a long delay in starting the work as he welcomed the progress. 

Cllr Mullins said the first phase which included the central plaza had begun a few weeks ago and was expected to be finished by the end of August. He said that consideration is being given to an awning to cover the area for events but no decision has been reached on that so far. 

He said the playground will get a “total makeover” in the next phase which would include the installation of a lot of new play equipment. Work on that phase isn’t going to take place until September so the playground can still be used by children during the summer, he explained.  

Cllr Mullins said new additions to the park will include three picnic tables, 13 benches, bike stands and some “really attractive pieces” of sculpture. It’s hoped the new edible garden can be used to show schoolchildren and others how fruit and vegetables are grown, he said.  

Laois County Council Town Regeneration Officer, Denise Rainey said the work in the People’s Park in Portarlington has commenced and is progressing well. 

“It involves the construction of a central plaza which can be used as an events space and also an edible garden. The playground is being refurbished as part of this project and will feature new equipment and natural play features. A whole range of new park furniture including park benches, picnic tables, and bicycle stands will also be introduced into the park. A tree trail, sculptures and interpretative wildlife signage will all be new additions to the park. It is envisaged that the scheme will be completed in full by the end of the year.”

Pictured above: An drawing of the planned works

Ms Rainey said the council is trying to minimise disruption while the work is underway. 

“We are trying to avoid full closure of the Park, the process is being very well managed by our Roads Area Office who are closing off the sections where work is ongoing. The playground works will be commencing at the end of September so that will necessitate closure of that section of the park for six to eight weeks but we avoided doing that section during the Summer months when children were on summer holidays,” said Ms Rainey.

The project, which has a budget of €680,000, is being funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Town And Village Renewal Scheme together with Laois County Council.