August start for renovation of Laois town's footpaths and junctions

A Laois town is about to get a €213,000 Government makeover on its footpaths and junctions, ahead of a bigger job on its traditional Market Square.

Junction improvements works and resurfacing works are soon beginning on Main Street, Rathdowney thanks to a Town and Village Scheme grant.

However design work is not yet started on the Market Square refurbishment which will remove some parking spaces and create more paving and seating for pedestrians and street markets.

Rathdowney's central square "was the main feature before the meat factory" according to Fine Gael Cllr John King this week.

He welcomes the imminent start of renovation works in the public realm, in an update he gave at the June meeting of Laois County Council.

"The work will be from O'Malley's pub to the front of the Card Stand. Prices are out for tender. Work will start in August," he said.

In their monthly report, Laois County Council gave more details.

They said that the project is funded by a Town and Village Scheme grant of €213,000. 

"This project is being led by Laois County Council. It consists of junction improvements and footpath enhancement works which will enhance connectivity and accessibility in the town.

Read also: 'Left behind' Laois towns need more money for heritage and culture says TD

"Consultant Engineers have been appointed for junction and public realm improvement work and design work are well in  advance. Tender documents for the procurement of a work contractors are expected to be complete in early June." the council said.

Yet to follow is a bigger upgrade of Market Square, with a €50,000 grant received for its design. A negotiated tender submission for the design was received by the council in June and is now being assessed.

Laois Town Regeneration Officer Denise Rainey gave an update to the Leinster Express / Laois Live on that project.

"We are engaging with consultants for a design at the current time. We are due to appoint a consultant within the next few weeks and work will then commence on a design. We hope to have a design finalised by the Autumn," she said.

Read also: 'I see a very bright future' Mountmellick redesigned in draft Town Centre First Plan

The works follow the development of a Town First Plan for Rathdowney, which examined the town's challenges and potential, making suggestions for improvements and paving the way for grant applications.

A draft Town First Plan is on public display for Mountmellick, see reaction here.