Details of town service plan outlined at council meeting

A PRESENTATION was made to Carlow Municipal District on the annual service plan and in particular the economic development of the town. Funds were allocated for the Christmas programme, streetscapes and management of industrial estates.

Councillors heard that funding for the Christmas programme was €46,000, €20,000 for the streetscape project and €8,000 for industrial estates management. It was proposed that the Christmas lights programme be managed as it has been by the area office. A Christmas lights festival is proposed for 2025 and a final decision will be made once a review is carried out on how the 2024 event went.

The streetscape enhancement scheme involves the presentation of public realms within the town. The scheme for 2025 is designed to enhance buildings, make improvements, upgrade works, including repairs, decluttering, erecting new signage, lighting and window design.

This will include residential spending of up to €1,000, including VAT, and commercial expenditure up to €1,500 exclusive of VAT. A proposed closing date for applications is 28 March and successful applicants will have until 31 October to complete works.

The council executive will consult with the Town Centre First office. A comprehensive report will be presented to the council management team and councillors. The plan will be carried out over a three-year period from 2025 to 2027.

This year, the areas involved will be Burrin Street, Kennedy Street, Castle Hill and Castle Street; Staplestown Road and Tullow Street will be targeted in 2026 and in 2027 College Street, Brown Street and Dublin Street. The scheme will be advertised across various platforms and applicants will have 28 days to submit their applications.

Industrial estates will also be part of the enhancement scheme, including Kernanstown industrial estate, Strawhall and Enterprise Park.

Mayor Fintan Phelan complimented the Christmas programme and the lights programme for 2024. “In terms of this Christmas, it would be nice to enhance our lighting in the town, particularly around Kennedy Avenue. It could be a really nice location and could look very, very well. The streetscape enhancement scheme is something we, as a municipal district, have been seeking for some time and it is very welcome.” The mayor also asked for traffic-calming measures to be carried out for industrial estates, especially around Strawhall.

Cllr Ken Murnane said that all of the projects “have been top notch”. He asked for Christmas lights to be placed in the Maryborough area of the town.

The council will ensure that all events will not be centred in one particular area of the town but will be spread out.