Laois town gets €500,000 for big overhaul of public park and playground
Portarlington has secured €500,000 for community development under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The grant will be used for the development of a community park, plaza and event space in the Portarlington People's Park as in envisaged in the Laois County Council commissioned People's Park Portarlington Landscape Masterplan.
The masterplan was first drawn up in 2020 but is set to get money for full implementation under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme grants announced over two years later on December 14.
Under the plan, which has a five-year implementation target when it was published more than two years ago, the Park would get wildflower meadows, an adventure woodland trail, a riverside meadow, a central plaza focal point, an overhauled playground as well as new access to the River Barrow.
“This exciting new development will work as an amenity for locals in the town and a great attraction for the tourists who will provide excellent economic benefit to the area,” said Cllr PJ Kelly, a Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District Councillor.
Minister of State Martin Heydon explained and welcomed the funding.
“The initiative is part of Our Rural Future funding which aims to develop these kinds of amenities across Ireland and will see increased investment out to 2025 to provide Government investment and support in towns and villages, such as Portarlington, as hubs of economic and social activity.
“This funding today is fantastic news and acts as another example of us working together to continue investment for towns and communities across the constituency,” said Minister Hayden.
“This welcome announcement from Minister Humphreys' Department means that money will now be in place to progress this project. Building on the €1.1m allocation for the Market Square in Portarlington, this investment will have a significantly positive impact on the town, businesses and its residents,” he said.
“I look forward to the impact this significant investment in Portarlington will have on the local community in years to come.” Minister Heydon concluded.
The plan was prepared by Green Pine Consultants and had input from the Portarlington Community Development Association.