Start date for Laois town to get new streetlights, parking and market space
Major street enhancement on the way for Rathdowney
A start date has been confirmed to transform Rathdowney town square in Laois, but it is nearly a year away.
The south Laois town got €100,000 of two years ago to draw up a masterplan with KPMG and a further €50,000 as a Town Centre First project to redesign the Town Square, which came up as a big issue in the masterplan survey.
Rathdowney square which at the moment is just a carpark, is set to become a lively social hub to gather, with new streetlights, footpaths and parking spaces, and a multifunctional area for markets and events.
An update was given at the October meeting of Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory Municipal District, in answer to a motion by Cllr John King who wants a start date for works.
Laois County Council Engineer Rory O'Callaghan said it is hoped to begin in September 2025.
He said that the western area crew and council's roads design will develop a works programme and a definite start date will be set.
Cllr King wants more than the square upgraded.
"We've a serious issue with lighting and footpaths. There is a serious problem with the golf links road to Dunnes Stores. I'll meet you to identify the black spots. Footpaths and road resurfacing all have to be put into the plan," he said.
Cllr James Kelly seconded and said he is also on the Rathdowney Town Team, as well as on Mountrath Town Team. He complimented Denise Rainey, the council official who oversees the town teams created for urban regeneration.
"I want to hightlight safety from the square, there's a pinch point where the meat factory is, safety for pedestrians is a big issue," he said.
Cllr Conor Bergin supports the works.
"I was at the launch, it was great to see works done to support Cllr King," he said.