Three Major Midlands Towns Set For €15m Facelift

Monday, 8 March 2021 10:30

Projects will include pedestrianisation, street enhancement and creation of a public park.

Three midlands towns are set for a facelift worth a combined €15m.

Portlaoise, Tullamore and Athlone will benefit from the latest allocation under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

The largest tranche of funding will go towards creating a low carbon town centre in Portlaoise.

Works costing €9m will include pedestrianisation of Lower Main Street, upgrades to the remainder of Main Street and Market Square, along with the Cultral Quarter.

A major enhancement of James Fintan Lalor Avenue is also taking place.

In Athlone, €4.2m is being set aside for the completion of street enhancement works at Church Street.

A continuing issue of derelict commercial sites in the town will also be tackled through an extensive restoration process.

While in Tullamore a link between O'Connor Square and Church Street as well as creation of a public park adjacent to the local arts centre are some of the plans for their €2.25m share of the pot.

It brings the total investment in the region through the Urban Regeneration and Development fund to €33.76m.