Regeneration works for Portlaw and defunct courthouse progress
Council plans for Portlaw's regeneration officially began in 2023
Regeneration plans for Portlaw’s ‘courthouse quarter’ have progressed to part eight of the planning process with the support of the Comeragh municipal district’s five elected councillors.
The plans will see the town’s derelict courthouse transformed into a new community centre, while Market Square will be pedestrianised and serve as a civic amenity.
Factory Road will be narrowed to create a footpath, additional parking space and EV charging stations.
Traffic-calming measures will be installed at Malcomson Square, with the square’s roundabout removed in favour of a junction.
Describing the proposed changes to the town’s courthouse, Acting Town Regeneration Officer Conor O’Neill said: “It will be used as a table space. It will be used as a sports facility.
"There will be meeting rooms, there will be changing facilities.”
Mr O’Neill said that there would be space to develop a café, but it would not be immediately utilised for fear of detracting from local business.
Sinn Féin councillor Catherine Burke welcomed the proposal, but said ample time must be afforded for “robust” consultation with local residents.
“I see so many advantages catering for the community in this new public space,” said Cllr Burke.
“People directly affected need to know what's happening. Are there plans for leaflets to be dropped to residents of the main streets in Portlaw?
“We don't want to see a repeat of the Active Travel project in Kilmacthomas.
“I think proper consultation will make the public feel agency.
"This is a huge investment in Portlaw, but the people need to be on this journey with the council and to realise what the end product will be.”
Mr O’Neill said leaflets for the plans were delivered to Portlaw residents on multiple occasions, as well as community workshops and a town hall meeting in January.
The plans will become open for public consultation on February 27.
