People of Waterford invited to have say on town centre plan

Waterford City and County Council, in partnership with Portlaw Town Team, has announced the launch of the public consultation on the draft Portlaw Town Centre First Plan.

Portlaw has been selected as one of 26 towns in Ireland to participate in this new initiative from the Irish Government.

The Draft Town Centre First Plan presents a vision for the future of Portlaw and a series of projects suitable for funding applications. The draft vision statement for Portlaw reads:

“As Ireland’s first model village and an inspiration to many, Portlaw was planned as the best possible place in which to live and work. With our unique streets, our waterways and woodlands, Portlaw is a special place with a story to tell. Today we look back with pride and forward with confidence, rediscovering and renewing Portlaw’s pioneering ambition for the town and all its people.”

The draft plan has been developed by the Portlaw Town Team, composed of local residents and business owners, with input from elected members and has been facilitated by urban designers, The Paul Hogarth Company and Hall Black Douglas architects. It includes proposals for new community facilities, active travel connections and civic spaces, all designed to complement the future restoration of Mayfield House and the former Tannery.

Chair of the Portlaw Town Team, Paudie Coffey explained: “We have been working hard over the past few months to prepare this plan for Portlaw, which builds on many years of work to improve the town and also on the recommendations of the 2022 Community Strategic Plan.”

Welcoming the public consultation process, Cathaoirleach of Comeragh District Council, Cllr Seánie Power said that: “The Council is delighted to be involved in this new planning initiative and that Portlaw – with its wonderful history, heritage and environment – is included as one of the pilot towns. It is now over to the people of Portlaw to take a look at the draft plan, give your feedback and share your ideas. The results will, hopefully, include a number of positive projects for the town and a period of significant regeneration and development”.

The public are invited to view draft plan online at www.waterfordcouncil.ie/PortlawTCF and to complete the short online survey by Thursday 28 September 2023.

The plans will also be on display in Portlaw Library and all are invited to an event to discuss the Town Centre First Plan and to celebrate the potential of Portlaw on Malcomson Square, between 12pm – 5pm on Saturday 23 September 2023.