Mountmellick, Portarlington, Timahoe, Carrigmeal projects show the best of Laois to Minister

XThe Portlaoise Library opening may have been the centrepiece of the visit by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys to Laois this month but she was also welcomed in Portarlington, Mountmellick, Timahoe and Dysart.

As part of the Government’s ‘Our Rural Future’ the Minister’s first stop was to officially open the Mountmellick Arts Centre. 

Minister Humphreys was given a warm welcome from the Town and Village Renewal Scheme supported Mountmellick Arts Centre Committee, led by Chairperson, Mr. Ger Lynch.

The Minister was treated to a video presentation by Ms Anne Marie Kirrane, A/Administrative Officer and  MC for the Ministerial Visit. It featured a host of projects Laois funded by the DRCD.

The Minister received a gift of Mountmellick Yarnbombing from Committee Member, Ms. Martina Horan.  She was then given a guided tour of the Arts Centre.

Mr John Mulholland, Chief Executive, Laois County Council, welcomed the Minister.

“I am delighted to witness the official opening of the Mountmellick Arts Centre, a testament to the vision and hard work of the dedicated committee and the community it serves.

“This new cultural hub will undoubtedly become a source of inspiration and creativity for our residents, fostering artistic expression and enriching the lives of all who visit. Mountmellick can now proudly showcase its vibrant arts scene, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact this centre will have on the community for generations to come,” he said. 

Laois County Council’s Cathaoirleach Paschal McEvoy praised the ‘remarkable’ committee who have made this project possible. 

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of society, and their selfless efforts enrich the lives of countless individuals, making the world a better place. 

“ We are immensely proud of this accomplishment and believe that the Mountmellick Community Arts Centre will become a beacon of creativity and inspiration for generations to come,” he said.

Mr Lynch, spoke on belhalf of the Committee. He said the centre was the culmination of a lot of work over many by many people and organisations. He noted the value of the Town and Village renewal grant, which allowed us to put the finishing touches to a restoration and enhancement project, which has taken over 30 years to complete. 

He noted the contribution of Mountmellick Parish, Mountmellick Drama Group, Mountmellick Community Employment Scheme, Mountmellick Community Arts Centre Committee, Tidy Towns, Mens Shed, Balcony Cinema and the Seat Sponsorship Scheme.

He also listed many local and county wide organisations that have made use of the facility as well as some of the entertainers who it has hosted.

“In terms of value for money, it would be hard to beat this project,” he said thanking the Minister for her attendance.

After opening the Portlaoise Library, Minister Humphreys travelled to open the Carrigmeal Walkways and Outdoor School in Dysart, a project made possible through funding from the ORIS programme.

The trails consist of three kms of walkways with another 10 kms in the adjoining Coillte Forest.  

The woodlands themselves measure roughly 65 acres in area, with the native Irish tree section planted in 1994 and the Biodiversity section planted in 2010. 

Cllr Mc Evoy was in attendance.

“What has been accomplished here at Carrigmeal is more than just an outdoor space. It is a testament to the power of community spirit and vision. The generosity and dedication of James Deegan and the Deegan family have been the driving force behind the realization of this exceptional project,” he said.

Mr Donal Brennan, Director of Services, Laois County Council said the space has been thoughtfully designed to encourage creativity, promote physical activity, and provide a welcoming environment for all ages. 

“Local residents and visitors alike can look forward to enjoying the benefits of this outdoor space, which promises to enhance the quality of life in the Dysart area. Its open-air amenities, beautiful greenery, and inviting atmosphere are certain to be cherished by all who visit,” she said.

Dr Kate Ramsbottom presented the Minister with some Porcelain Pottery based on the Witch of Dysart Enos.

Under the guidance of the proprietor and Chairperson of the Committee, Mr James Deegan, the Minister embarked on a tour of the Woodlands. 

 He subsequently spoke about the project that includes an Outdoor School and Meeting place which is in partnership with Dunamaise College and the aim is to get pupils out of the urban classrooms and into the woods and countryside to learn and appreciate the natural environment and the biodiversity.

“I am of the opinion that this new venture will prove popular with the scholars,” he said.

He said that apart from daily walkers, the Woodlands are used on a regular basis by Scouts, schools, young people and even the Irish Army. It recently hosted people from Ukraine.

He thanked the Minister for funding saying it “has been well spent”. He also thanked staff from the Council, LOETB, Leader, forester John O’Connell Forester as well as neighbours and friends who supported the venture.

Next up was Timahoe, where the Timahoe Heritage Committee, led by Chairperson Mary O’Dwyer,  welcome to the Minister.

Ms O'Dwyer shared the history of the Round Tower and the ambitious future plans for its development.

“It was wonderful to see our local community gather to acknowledge the work that has been done.  Minister Humphries had a stroll around the Heritage Centre,” she said.

 Following on from the stroll outside, Minister Humphries was welcomed into the Heritage Centre where she was welcomed by locals and the committee of women who run the 'Tower & Bean' coffee shop.  

After some brief speeches, which highlighted the pivotal role of volunteers and the blueprint that our heritage centre is for others, the Minister unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.  

The Heritage Centre is open during the week and the Tower & Bean coffee shop is open at weekends and bank holiday Mondays.

Cllr McEvoy said The Timahoe Heritage Centre is more than just a building.

“It represents the heart and soul of the community. It will serve as a hub for cultural education, a venue for engaging events, and a place where the rich history of Timahoe can be cherished and celebrated. The Heritage Centre stands as a beacon of pride and a testament to the shared history of Timahoe,” he said.

Mr Brennan, Director of Services, said the opening of the centre shows the efforts of the community have borne fruit. 

“The grand opening ceremony was a true reflection of the vibrant spirit of Timahoe, and it marked the beginning of a new chapter in the community's journey to preserve and share its heritage,” he said.

Minister Humphreys concluded her visit to Laois by unveiling the commencement of the long-awaited refurbishment works for the historic Market House in Portarlington. 

The Portarlington Market House, with a rich history spanning nearly 300 years, has played various roles in the town's evolution, from a Market House and Courthouse to a Town Hall and even a garage. 

Cllr Paschal Mc Evoy remarked on the significance of this.

“This momentous project promises to breathe new life into the town and bolster its vibrant community. This restoration endeavour serves as a testament to the commitment of Laois County Council towards the sustainable development of Portarlington and its communities,” he said.

Cllr McEvoy said the project's vision entails meticulous refurbishment and repurposing of the Market House for multiple uses.

Gerry Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive of Laois County Council concluded by highlighting the benefit of the project.

“This is a project that will bring huge dividends to the town of Portarlington and the surrounding area,” he said.

Mr Murphy said the council expects the appointment of the contractor to be sealed shortly with work commencing soon afterwards.

In her closing statement, the Minister reaffirmed her commitment to creating conducive conditions for people to thrive in rural towns and villages.