Laois public asked to have their say on plans for local Lake and Trails

A ten year plan for the future of Derryounce Lakes and Trails is being drawn up and the public is being invited to have their say. 

The project team behind the plan has launched a survey in order to gather ideas from people who use the amenity. 

Portarlington Community Development Association and Offaly County Council have hired SLR Consulting Ltd to prepare a 10 Year Plan and Concept Designs for the development of  Derryounce Lakes and Trails over the next decade. 

Pictured above at the contract was signed with SLR Consulting Ltd. Front row l-r Ann Dillon, Director of Services, OCC, Cathaoirleach Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick, Paul McTernan, Project Team (SLR Consulting Ltd.)Back row l-r Ian O’Brien, Assistant Planner, OCC, Mary Keogh, PCDA, Colm Powell, PCDA, Aidan Mullally, PCDA, Joanne Coughlan, Project Team, Cllr Aidan Mullins, LCC and PCDA.

It is envisaged that the plan will show how the site can be sensitively developed to become an even better community resource and a major regional visitor destination. The plan will consist of new concepts to improve and extend the recreational facilities including plans for a hub building, lakeside access and parking improvements, biodiversity enhancement and new infrastructure to support the site and better connect it to our network of towns and Villages.

“We are asking for your ideas and suggestions on how you would like to see Derryounce grow over the next 10 years, what the landscape should contain and how it should be laid out. The survey closing date is Monday the 31st July 2023,” the project team stated.  

In order to participate on the Derryounce 10 Year Plan, click on Derryounce 10 Year Plan Survey at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Derryounce23 . 

This plan is funded through the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Fáilte Ireland and Offaly County Council.