Glorious sunshine in Portarlington as the People's Park officially opened
Portarlington Concert Band played for Minister Dara Calleary who declined an offer to go on the park slide
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, declined ‘a go on the slide’ as he officially opened the People’s Park in Portarlington.
The opening follows a complete redevelopment of the park which resulted in new equipment, sculptures and an edible garden being introduced to the public amenity.
Laois County Council Director of Service Angela McEvoy said the town now really meets the needs of the community. “A town space right in the heart of Portarlington… a place where people of all ages can relax, gather, play and enjoy being outdoors”, she said.
“This is what town regeneration is all about. It breathes life back into the community and has something to offer for everyone. The park is a safe playground for children and somewhere for parents to meet up and chat”, said Ms McEvoy.
She praised the edible garden, interpretive signage and sculptures and thanked the area staff who are led by John Griffin and the area engineer Tom Drennan. She also thanked Martina Smith and the Community Employment Scheme workers who assist in maintaining the park.
She explained that a dedicated committee had formed in 1966. “Their belief in creating a space for everyone laid the foundation for what you see around us now,” she said.
Ms Whitelegg said the playground had been named by her nephew John Boylan, Spraoi na hAbhann (River Playground), reflecting “not just the park’s location by the river but also the joy and the life that flows through this space every day”.
Minister Calleary officially opened the redeveloped People’s Park in Portarlington which had received €500,000 under his Department’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
“The works completed here have transformed the Park into a vibrant and welcoming destination for all ages. It has created a modern high quality town park that maximises the environmental and social benefits for the local community.
“This project will ensure that the People’s Park continues to provide an attractive green public space for individuals, families and visitors to enjoy for generations to come,” he said.
Minister Calleary told the crowd that “this is what town and village renewal is all about”. He described it as “genuinely a people’s park for everybody” and he praised the Portarlington Concert Band who had played for his arrival. He said Willie Aird had invited him to have a go on the slide but he was afraid he might break it.
Minister Calleary also opened The Compass Community Hub in Portarlington which received support of €39,000 through the Community Centre Investment Fund for repairs and upgrades to the former derelict schoolhouse.
He then travelled to Mountrath, where he opened Café Donate, a social enterprise funded through the LEADER programme. Funding of over €105,000 was provided to renovate the property - once derelict – and transform it into a vibrant community space.
Following this event, the Minister officially opened the Mountrath River Walk project which received almost €250,000 of support through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme. The Town and Village Scheme has made an important contribution to supporting vibrant and sustainable communities in towns and villages throughout Ireland.