Portarlington Urban Regeneration Strategy 2030 shortlisted for Irish Planning Awards

The Portarlington Urban Regeneration Strategy 2030 by Downey has been shortlisted in the President’s Award category of this year's Irish Planning Awards.

It is one of 39 entries shortlisted by the Irish Planning Institute (IPI), the all-island professional membership body for spatial planners for the Awards which are returning this year. 

The awards aim to highlight innovation and excellence in Irish planning. The awards gala ceremony will take place on 28th September in Clontarf Castle Hotel.

The Portarlington Urban Regeneration Strategy 2030 is envisaged as a template to regenerate the heart of the town.

Downey Planning & Architecture were commissioned to prepare a Regeneration Strategy for Portarlington on behalf of Laois County Council.

The firm outlined what is involved in the project which focuses on the central area.

“The aim of the Portarlington Regeneration Strategy is to create a vision for Portarlington, including the use of the Market House and Square, public realm improvements, and other proposals. This will also identify key urban spaces designated for enhancement and connection to capitalise on the rich heritage of Portarlington.

“Pedestrian priority linkages and proposals to better link the historic core with adjacent amenities (People's Park, River Barrow, Leisure Centre and play areas) and facilities such as Derryounce Lake and Trails, Lea Castle, Emo Court, schools and Train Station and the Community Development building will also be considered,” say the consultants.

The project is focused on the town centre realm and does not extend into the Offaly side.

However, links between the two counties will be examined.

“Improved connectivity with points of interest in both local authority areas will be welcomed,” they said.

A multi-disciplinary team has been formed to complete this strategy, including architects from Wilson Architecture, engineers and environmental consultants from Tobin Consulting Engineers, conservation architects from Mesh Architects and planners, urban designers and landscape architects from Downey Planning & Architecture.

Downey Planning and Architecture say they are a multi-disciplinary practice of chartered town planners, registered architects, landscape architects and project managers.