Mountmellick and Ballinakill have been approved for funding under the government’s Town and Village Renewal Scheme.
According to Laois TD Sean Fleming, both areas are to receive a combined total of €644,000.
Mountmellick has received funding of €347,000 and Ballinakill is approved for €297,000.
Deputy Fleming said: “The purpose of this scheme is to stimulate Town and Village centres, economic and social regeneration and future development of these areas.”
Mountmellick is receiving funding of €297,000 to enhance the existing carpark to support the increasing number of visitors to local facilities.
This is to include resurfacing, EV Charger ducting, space marking, pedestrian safety enhancements and widened entrance and exit.
They are also approved for an additional €50,000 funding for development of a masterplan for Smiths Field.
This, according to Deputy Fleming, is ‘an under utilised green space in the centre of the town’.
Ballinakill is being approved for funding of €297,000 for the regeneration of the Market Square and public areas improvements.
Deputy Fleming said: “I want to thank the communities in Mountmellick and Ballinakill and Laois County Council for their work in preparing these funding applications which has now been approved by Government.
“I look forward to Ballinakill and Mountmellick progressing with these much-needed improvement works in their areas in 2026.”
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: History made as first ever ‘toy swap’ in Laois a big success
