Full house as Mountmellick looks to the future
Members of Mountmellick Town Team, from left: Bobby Delaney, Bill Dempsey, Maura Reddin, Cllr Paddy Bracken, Barbara Lalor, Fran Baker (chairman); Florence Fennelly and Lisa Delaney at Mountmellick Library for the launch of the Mountmellick Draft Town Centre First Plan and Community Information Evening hosted by Laois County Council, in partnership with the Mountmellick Town Team and SLR Consulting. Photo: Alf Harvey
A FULL house showed up for the launch of a draft Town Centre First plan for Mountmellick, which sets out ambitious but achievable steps to regenerate the town centre.
Residents, community groups, shopkeepers and business owners were among the large turnout at a public information evening in Mountmellick Library on 17 June, where the plan was enthusiastically explored and discussed. There was also a strong turnout at a business breakfast the following morning.
Information boards displayed project proposals for the town, while copies of the draft plan were also available at both events. Visitors had in-depth discussions with members of the Town Team, consultants and Laois Co Council’s regeneration team, who jointly hosted the event.
Laois Co Council’s Town Regeneration Officer Denise Rainey 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.
“We encourage everyone to continue spreading the word and ensuring as many voices as possible are heard in the consultation process. If you know someone from Mountmellick, ask them to look up the plan and have their say."
The draft plan is just the first step in an ongoing process. After analysis of all the feedback received during the consultation period, the projects will be reviewed to accommodate as many interests as possible.
Once the final Town Centre First plan is adopted, it can be used to secure funding for the future development of Mountmellick.
The draft plan will remain on public display until 4pm on Friday, 11 July and submissions will be accepted until then.
The plan can be viewed at Mountmellick Library, the offices of Mountmellick Development Association (MDA), Laois Co Council headquarters in Portlaoise or online via the Laois Consultation Portal at https://tinyurl.com/38p9hv2t.
