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January 29, 2019
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‘Key town’ boost in plan for growth Urban centre will drive regional development CARLOW and neighbouring Graiguecullen will be designated a ‘key town’ in an upgraded regional development plan. They comprise one of ¿YH WRZQV HDUPDUNHG IRU VLJQL¿FDQW JURZWK LQ WKH HDVWHUQ and midlands region,which includes Dublin. The others are Portlaoise, Tullamore, Mullingar and Longford. Public consultation on the plan closed on January 23 and it now goes to the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly which will consider the steps necessary to allow Carlow to grow over the next 20 years in the role of a major regional centre. The assembly will adopt a Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) later this year. Once the RSES is adopted, all local authorities will be obliged to review their plans and programmes in light of the new strategy.
Carlow and Laois county councils are expected to work together on a joint plan for the urban area. The strategy is aimed at implementing Project Ireland 2040. It looks at such issues as employment, retail development, housing, transport and services. It will provide a framework for spatial planning and economic development for the Eastern and Midlands Region and will take a wide view beyond county boundaries. Carlow’s ‘key town’ status will help it attract the investment needed to support substantial population growth. Growth of 30% is predicted over the 20 years. Key towns will be expected act as economic drivers for the wider region and provide employment and leisure facilities for their hinterlands.
Mary Clare and Irene Ryan at The Visual as part of the First Fortnight Mental Health Arts Festival 2019. Lots more pictures inside
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