A fourth outdoor music area proposed for Portlaoise
Recently opened, 'The Fort' outdoor performance space is located in the grounds of Laois Music Centre
Portlaoise currently has three outdoor stage performance areas – at Fitzmaurice Place, Music Generation Laois and at the Civic Plaza.
At the recent meeting of the local municipal district, another one was requested. This time to be located on Lower Main Street.
Cllr Tommy Mulligan asked that as part of the Urban Regeneration Development Fund could the council install/erect a bandstand on Lower Main Street to provide an opportunity for public performances, which he said “would further enhance the ambiance and atmosphere of the area”.
He was informed by acting director of services Paul McLoughlin that that public realm enhancement works will be undertaken on Main Street, Portlaoise and that “the provision of space and facilities for performances will be considered as part of the enhancement proposals”.
Cllr Mulligan said: “There’s a strong music theme at the moment with Portlaoise Comhaltas, Music Generation Laois, community and church choirs. A lot of up-and-coming bands and ones that have been there a long time, as well as a lot of aspiring musicians.
“There’s a great opportunity there now, under the regeneration funds, and the planned redevelopment of the Main Street, connected with the cultural corner and the proposed pedestrianisation of the street. A bandstand installed around that area would improve the opportunity for musicians and performers to perform in front of the public.”
He said: “If it was pedestrianised, I could see local businesses maybe paying for performers or sponsoring them to use the bandstand. It could be used during times of festivals and parades, seasonally such as at Christmastime or for a viewing stand for St Patrick's Day parades.
“It would also be an opportunity for buskers or artists to perform from. Bands or individuals could showcase their songs. It would improve the atmosphere along Main Street. The location could be around the Library because you’d need an electrical power point, and the power could be supplied from it. It’d be a huge attraction for the town."
Cllr Barry Walsh supported the call. He said that he had a similiar motion in last year for such a facility to be located in either the People's Park or the planned Tyrrell's Land location on the Stradbally Road.
He said: "We need to be encouraging the arts for that area. There’s been a bit of a buzz in that area since the library went in.”
Cathaoirleach cllr Willie Aird said: “When Dunnes Stores handed over to us (Laois County Council) a piece of land beside county hall, we made sure that there was a bandstand there (Civic Plaza).
“But not many people perform there. All I see are the skateboarders there. But that is a space for performers. There’s electricity and everything out there for bands or performers. All I’m saying is that there is a place there already.”
