Vital Laois town's residents have say on new masterplan

The people of Rathdowney have been urged to give their view on a draft new master plan for the town.

Sean Fleming, Minister of State in the Department of Foreign Affairs, made the call on residents to get involved when welcoming the publishing of the draft Rathdowney Town Centre Masterplan.

"I was pleased that the Government provided funding for the town of Rathdowney under a new Government initiative to tackle vacancy, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres," he said.

The plan which was commissioned by Laois County Council and produced by KMPG is on public display in Rathdowney Library and can be accessed through the Laois County Council website. It has found dereliction to be a big problem and recommends key steps to revitalise Rathdowney.

"It is vital that people have their say and make submissions on the draft plan. The plan will guide the regeneration of the town and help the people of Rathdowney," said Minister Fleming.

County Hall has also organised public consultations in Rathdowney Library on Tuesday, May 30. 

• Workshop no 1, Tuesday 30th May: 10:00 – 1:00pm
• Workshop no 2, Tuesday 30th May: 2:00pm – 5:00pm

"I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of Rathdowney to attend and have their say on the plan for Rathdowney," said the Fianna Fáil TD.

Half of commercial buildings on Laois main street empty with seven in a row vacant finds blueprint for future

Those who want to make submissions can do so by 5pm on the 6th June. This can be done online.

Laois County Council received €100,000 to commission a plan for the town on the Government's Town Centre First policy aimed at revitalising towns around Ireland.