Laois town to get €213,000 upgrade
A design submission for a major upgrade of the town's historic Market Square is currently being assessed by the county council
WORK on a €213,000 upgrade of Rathdowney is expected to start in August, in advance of a major makeover of the town’s Market Square.
Resurfacing and improvements to footpaths and junctions are set to begin next month in Main Street, funded by a grant under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
The imminent start of renovation works in Main Street was welcomed by Fine Gael councillor John King, at the latest monthly meeting of Laois Co Council.
He said: “Prices are out for tender and I presume that work will start in August, along the street from O’Malley’s pub to the front of the Card Stand. It is badly needed and will be a big improvement.”
According to the council’s monthly report, the project consists of junction and footpath enhancement works that will ‘enhance connectivity and accessibility’ in the town. Consultant engineers have been appointed for junction and public realm improvement work.
Meanwhile, a tender submission for the design of a major upgrade of the town’s historic Market Square is currently being assessed by the county council, which was granted €50,000 for the design stage of the plan.
The Market Square refurbishment will include removal of some parking spaces to create paved areas and seating, providing a multifunctional area for street markets and events.
The negotiated design submission follows the development of a Town Centre First plan for Rathdowney, which saw a Town Team examine the town's challenges and potential, make suggestions for improvements and pave the way for grant applications.
The aims of the plan include public realm works in Market Square; development of the pond and surrounding area for recreation; traffic calming and streetscape improvements in Main Street and Ossory Street and improved linkages at Cascade Street, including a walkway connecting Cascade Street with the GAA pitch and soccer ground.
