Mountmellick locals took to their local library on Wednesday following the launch of the Draft Town Centre First Plan for the town.

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A step-by-step guide has been outlined for members of the community to help their voices be heard following the launch of the Draft Town Centre First Plan for Mountmellick.

This comes on foot of a full house that showed up at the launch of the plan at a public information evening in Mountmellick Library, Tuesday 17th June. The large turnout included community groups, local businesses, and stakeholders, all of whom engaged enthusiastically with the proposals.

This information meeting was followed by a business breakfast on Thursday 18th June so that commercial interests in the plan could be heard which was also well attended.

Information boards displayed the project proposals for the town. Copies of the draft plan were also made available at both events.

Visitors had in-depth discussions with members of the Town Team, consultants, and Laois County Council’s regeneration team who jointly hosted the event, gaining valuable insight into the vision for Mountmellick’s future.

Following feedback at both events, the display boards depicting the projects will be on show in Mountmellick Library, and copies of the plan will be available both in Mountmellick Library and County Hall, Portlaoise if people wish to view them. 

The draft plan marks only the first step in the process. Following analysis of all the feedback received during the consultation period, the projects will be reviewed to accommodate and incorporate as many interests as possible. Once the final Town Centre First Plan is adopted, it can then be used to secure funding for the future development and regeneration of the town.

Town Regeneration Officer Denise Rainey expressed her gratitude to all those who attended.

“We sincerely thank the community for their engagement and support at the Information Evening," she said.

"It was fantastic to see such interest and energy for the future of Mountmellick, with great questions and feedback on the proposals. Their participation is vital in ensuring the final plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the community," they said.

"We encourage everyone to continue spreading the word and ensuring as many voices as possible are heard in the consultation process. All we’d ask is if you know someone from Mountmellick, ask them to look up the plan and have their say," Ms Rainey finished.

The draft plan is now on public display until Friday, 11th July, 4pm, and submissions will be received up to this date.

Locals can view the draft plan at Mountmellick Library, Offices of Mountmellick Development Association, Offices of Laois County Council in Portlaoise, and online via the Laois Consultation Portal.

Feedback can be submitted online via the portal, to the email address LS-TownRegeneration-Team@laoiscoco.ie

Feedback can also be submitted via hard copies to the Town Regeneration Officer, Laois County Council, County Hall, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 EHP, or drop in your submission to Mountmellick Library. Deadline: Friday, 11th July at 4pm.

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