Special Laois amenity to have access enhanced

A Laois group dedicated to providing natural amenities to people with additional needs has secured funding for improvement works at a popular walking site for local people and visitors from other counties.

With the support of LEADER through Laois Partnership Company, Laois Friends will use the funding to build a new fully accessible car park at the Rockview Walkways and Sensory Garden. This will provide universal access to one of the country's few community woodlands designed for people with additional needs.

Set in 20 acres of native Irish woodland at Cashel near Ballyroan and Portlaoise, this amenity attracts users from across Laois and beyond.

Groups who visit included C-Ability, Muiriosa Foundation, Special Olympics Laois, Portlaoise & Ballyroan Active Retirement, and local schools. The walkways, comprising approximately 2km of walking tracks, are also used daily by the local community.

Anyone using the walkways can stop off for a rest and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at The Rambling House, which is a converted farm building that also includes a hall where the group hosts social dances or which can be used for socially inclusive camps and events.

The existing access and car park, located on a minor country road with a humpback bridge, is no longer fit for purpose, restricting use by those with accessibility requirements, buses, and service vehicles.

LEADER funds will be used to build a new fully accessible car park and entrance from the main road, including dedicated disabled parking bays, bus and minibus parking, electric vehicle charging points, and bicycle parking.

The voluntary group thanked the funding agency for its support. MORE BELOW PHOTO.

Pictured: Laois Partnership HQ in Portlaoise.

“LEADER support has been central to the success of Laois Friends and the Rockview Walkways project. We would encourage all local voluntary groups to engage with Laois Partnership Company to see how LEADER support can bring their vision into reality,” say the Laois Friends committee.

Laois Friends was founded in 2000 by parents, volunteers, and community advocates in County Laois in response to a growing need for inclusive recreational and social opportunities.

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Laois Partnership previously supported Laois Friends via LEADER support in 2010 to develop the amenity. On this occasion, LEADER grant support of €43,665.72 was sought, with €14,555.24 match funding from Laois Friends and bridging finance through Clann Credo, making a total project cost of €58,220.96.

The LEADER Programme is co-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the EU to provide financial grants to groups keen to improve their community or budding entrepreneurs to set up a business.

To learn more, contact Laois Partnership Company on 05786 61900, info@laoispartnership.ie, or visit the website www.laoispartnership.ie