The Portarlington Community Development Association (PCDA) has called for a comprehensive feasibility study to explore the potential for locating a regional sports complex in the town.
The group have formally written to local TDs and Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey, advancing their plan for what they say would be a €25 million facility.
And, they say that their proposal should be preferred over any similar suggestion for Portlaoise.
In March of last year, it was confirmed that Laois County Council would call a meeting with Sport Ireland to discuss the feasibility of such a project.
PCDA Chairman Aidan Mullally says that “Portarlington is the best location for a future Regional Sports Complex within the Midlands region.
“With a projected investment requirement of approximately €25 million, the PCDA believes that this major infrastructural project must be strategically located to maximise user access, ensure long-term sustainability, and support broader regional development objectives.
“We believe Portarlington should be preferred over Portlaoise for such an investment due to its superior accessibility, available infrastructure, and growing population.”
The PCDA have advanced their plan under four headlines – Strategic Advantages; Regional Balance and Population Growth; Land and Integration Potential; and Economic and Social Impact.
For strategic advantages, the group say that Portarlington offers exceptional connectivity and accessibility.
- Rail Hub: Serviced by Irish Rail’s intercity network with direct routes to Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Westport, and a key junction on the Athlone line.
- Road Access: Within 20 minutes of the M7 (Dublin–Limerick) and 25 minutes of the M8 (Dublin–Cork), with additional connectivity via regional routes R419 and R445.
“This level of access places Portarlington in an ideal position to serve not just Laois but the wider Midlands and Eastern regions,” said Mr. Mullally.
For regional balance and population growth, the PCDA say that Portarlington, straddling Laois and Offaly and bordering Kildare, is one of the fastest-growing urban centres in the region.
“Locating a regional sports complex in Portarlington supports regional balance and decentralisation,” Mr. Mullally stated.
“Portlaoise has already received significant state and private sector investment. It’s time the council looked beyond Portlaoise and recognised the clear potential in other communities.”
Under land and integration potential, the PCDA say that their town ‘offers zoned and suitable land for community and recreational development’.
A sports complex could ‘integrate with local schools, clubs, and active tourism infrastructure including Derryounce Lakes and Trails, which already attracts regional visitors and supports water-based recreation’.
While under economic and social impact, the group say that a regional sports complex in Portarlington would ‘drive substantial local economic activity, boost tourism, and create long-term employment across construction, coaching, events, and management’.
Mullally said: “The town is home to a thriving sporting culture, including multiple GAA, basketball, soccer, and athletics achievements.
“Within just one mile of the town centre, we have Killenard and Gracefield, both of which boast vibrant GAA communities and strong sporting traditions.”
PCDA is calling for a full feasibility study to:
- Compare Portarlington and Portlaoise across key criteria such as access, readiness, impact, and viability.
- Engage local sports organisations, schools, and disability sports networks.
- Assess planning and environmental implications
In conclusion, Mr Mullally said: “Portarlington is uniquely positioned to host a major regional sports facility.
“In contrast to Portlaoise, which already functions as a county town, investing in Portarlington would promote more balanced development across the region.
“A feasibility study is essential to validate this strategic opportunity and ensure the best value for public investment.”
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