Plans for sculpture on Mountmellick roundabout
While O'Connell Square in Mountmellick is the priority project in the Town Centre First Plan, smaller schemes such as a sculpture on the entrance roundabout do not require major funding and planning is well advanced. File image
PLANS are underway to install a specially-commissioned sculpture on the main entrance roundabout in Mountmellick.
A sculptor has already been selected to work on the installation and a preliminary design has been devised, which focuses on the town’s famous lace heritage.
The project will include landscaping and planting on the roundabout, to create an attractive feature for locals and visitors on entering the town.
Details of the plan were outlined by Laois Co Council’s Town Regeneration Officer Denise Rainey, at the December meeting of Borris-in-Ossory/ Mountmellick Municipal District (MD).
As the roundabout is on the N80 route, the project requires approval from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII). Ms Rainey said the council is engaging with the TII office in Kildare regarding the sculpture plans.
Details of the small project that could have a big impact were given to councillors at the MD meeting, during a presentation on the Mountmellick Town Centre First Plan which was launched on 18 November.
The plan contains five key projects, with the enhancement of O'Connell Square selected as the Town Team's priority scheme.
Ms Rainey explained that the Town Centre First Plan, which followed almost a year-and-a-half of planning and public consultation, was not completed in time for the latest round of Town and Village Renewal Scheme funding.
However, she said there are some small scale projects that can go ahead first if funding is available, including the roundabout sculpture and landscaping. She said: “That is the first project I would like to see over the line.”
Ms Rainey described the launch of the Town Centre First plan as very positive and "a milestone" for Mountmellick but observed: “This is only the start of the journey. The real work is only beginning now.”
With five key projects identified and a 40-point action plan, the council must start developing what are known as Part 8s, which allow for planning permission for local authority projects, in order to look for funding.
Overall, the Town Centre First plan aims to regenerate and revitalise Mountmellick and enhance the surrounding landscape. It will serve as a basis for future developments in the town, as well as assist the Town Team and Laois Co Council in securing funding for the proposals.
Ms Rainey said the launch night in Mountmellick Library was a great success while all the engagement meetings in advance of the plan, such as the business breakfasts, were well attended and very positive.
Councillors at the MD meeting paid tribute to Ms Rainey and the Town Team for their work and commitment in developing the plan. Cllr Paddy Bracken from Mountmellick said: “It’s an excellent plan and I’m looking forward to progress on it.”
Cllr Ollie Clooney asked whether Ballacolla would be eligible for a similar plan, as he described the village as “a blackspot in terms of community development”.
Cllr Clooney said: “I would like to see funds going to rural areas, as little villages are dying and dying fast. Towns can stand on their own feet.”
Ms Rainey replied that any centre with a population of over 500 can be considered for such a scheme. She said the council team works with community groups and would be happy to engage with any group regarding specific projects.
She added: “We try to encourage local groups to be self-sufficient. We are willing to work with any village or community group. The most important thing is a community group that is willing to work on plans.
“There won’t be as much funding as for towns such as Mountrath, Mountmellick, Rathdowney and others that have Town Centre First Plans, but we can work with any community group.”
Council director of services Angela McEvoy pointed out that the next ‘Our Rural Future’ government strategy is due next year. She said: “We will be doing one collectively in Laois Co Council. You have to have a plan in place to get funding.”
Since the MD meeting, funding of €347,000 was announced for Mountmellick on 22 December under the last Town and Village Renewal Scheme. A total of €297,000, will go towards enhancement of the carpark, with improvements to include resurfacing, EV charger ducting, space marking, pedestrian safety enhancements and a widened entrance and exit.
A further €50,000 will go to development of a masterplan for Smiths Field, an under-utilised green space in the town centre.
