Portlaw is set to receive €100,000 in funding under the ‘Town Centre First Plans’ initiative.
The Town Centre First Plan is the Governments first ever Town Centre First policy.
€2.6 million has been allocated nationally by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphries TD.
The Towns Centre First Plans initiative seeks to ensure that the selected towns have the right plan in place to tackle the issues of dereliction, vacant properties, and above all, to become better places to live.
Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD, says its extremely positive news for Portlaw.
"The Council will now work closely with local community groups, retailers, and the other members of the Town Teams in devising and delivering on the objectives of this masterplan for Portlaw. The focus of the plan will be on the town centre as well as immediate surrounds of Portlaw and will be required to set out specific actions and interventions. This has the potential to unlock further national funding streams, from which Portlaw can benefit to resource delivery of these interventions, such as the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Town & Village Renewal Scheme."
Minister Butler added that the plan for Portlaw will cover the importance of “place-making”, town centre living, the social and economic purpose of the town, and respond to emerging opportunities such as those linked to remote working, climate action and digitalisation.
“I have no doubt that the ongoing collaborative effort between the Council and the local stakeholders on the ground will ensure this funding is utilised in making the great town of Portlaw an even more attractive place to live, work, socialise and run a business. Waterford’s rural towns and villages play a central role in the lives of people in such areas. They are where we live, work, shop and socialise. It is important that we ensure Waterford’s towns and villages remain vibrant, vital and relevant places. Huge credit is due to Waterford City & County Council in selecting Portlaw to be put forward for funding consideration under this initiative".
The news has also been welcomed by Fine Gael Senator, John Cummins.
"This initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future – the Government’s ambitious five-year strategy designed to reimagine and revitalise Rural Ireland. It is also linked to the Government’s ‘Housing for All’ strategy and the forthcoming ‘Town Centre First Policy’, which will be announced in the New Year. It is envisaged that the town centre first plans will cover the importance of “place-making”, town centre living, the social and economic purpose of the town, and respond to emerging opportunities such as those linked to remote working, climate action and digitalisation. I am looking forward to working with the community in Portlaw in time ahead to realise their vision for the locality."
