The Joint Local Area Plan (JLAP) draft for Portarlington has been ratified by Laois County Council this week.
The Elected Members convened in Council Chambers to discuss and debate the details on the draft plan for “a new future” for Portarlington.
The JLAP is being undertaken by Laois County Council in conjunction with their Offaly counterparts and is in a heavily advanced stage following months of work behind the scenes.
The current draft plan follows on from significant public consultation as well as discussions and consultation with bodies including Uisce Éireann, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Department of Education, the Office of Public Works (OPW) and more.
The plan includes a number of measures and options which will make up the final Portarlington JLAP, which Laois and Offaly County Councils will aim to implement between 2025 and 2031.
Measures are to be taken regarding the feasibility of developing an integrated Public Transport Hub at Portarlington Train Station, including consultation with National Transport Authority and Iarnród Éireann.
The draft plan suggests the provision of Active Travel on several routes, including, but not limited to:
- Main Street to Kilnacourt Wood and Station Road Roundabout;
- Canal Road East to Station Road including junction of Canal Road and Lea Road;
- Ballymorris Road to Crowe Lane to Main Street;
- Kilmalogue/Bog Road Junction to Coláiste Íosagáin and continuing along R423 Road to Na Cluainte Estate;
- Botley Lane/French Church Street Junction along Patrick Street to Kilmalogue/Bog Road Junction;
- French Church Street and Market Square;
- Botley Lane from its junction with French Church Street;
- Southern Transport Corridor from the R420 at Shanderry to the local road at Ballymorris.
Councillors also made a number of decisions on the zoning of land, with suggestions to provide and improve industrial and warehousing development.
Lands were also set aside and zoned for residential use.
The Council also ratified the Disposal of Land under Section 183 of the Local Government Act in respect of 0.27 hectares in Portarlington Business Park.
Site Number 4 has been awarded to Emo-based Alex Xander Bespoke Interiors on a 500-year lease for €132,000.
The Council also made a decision regarding Ballinakill, giving the green light to proceed with the undertaking of public realm improvement works in Market Square as part of the Ballinakill Village Plan.
These improvements will include hard and soft landscaping; replacement of existing concrete paving; the provision of new outdoor seating; and new disabled parking spaces.
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