A country market should be developed in Portlaoise as part of an overall vision statement for the town, according to a local councillor.
Cllr Mary Sweeney had a motion on the issue at the recent Portlaoise Municipal District meeting.
A written reply from senior planner Angela McEvoy outlined: “There is a provision for a country market style venue in the proposed regeneration of the town centre of Portlaoise as set out in the vision statement for Portlaoise.
“A site has not been selected for this, however it will be considered in the context of the overall proposed public realm works,” Ms McEvoy said.
Enhance
“I am looking for it to be included,” Cllr Sweeney said, “as it can only enhance the centre in Portlaoise”.
“They have one in Kilkenny and the streets are thronged there. It gives a huge boost for the tourism sector,” he said.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley noted that Market Square is already the designated area for a market.
Ms McEvoy added that the council is currently looking at an upgrade of of laneways in the town. She said the enhancements would be ideal for the hosting of Christmas festivals. “They will be a benefit to the town,” she said.
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