A significant milestone in the future development of Derryounce, as Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick officially launched the Derryounce 10 year plan at Portarlington Golf Club.
The Derryounce 10-year plan is supported and funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) 2021, under the Department of Rural and Community Development. This plan will, in time have an extremely positive impact in the area from an economic, social and environmental perspective.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive of Offaly County Council, Anna Marie Delaney stated “The 10-year plan emphasises the importance of outdoor recreation, nature conservation, and the social and economic benefits for Derryounce and its surrounding area. There is a particular focus on identifying new recreation uses, enhancing existing uses and the provision of necessary infrastructure.”
The Plan aims to bring economic and social benefits to the area by promoting Derryounce as a Regenerative Tourism Destination and a key trailhead within the Midlands Cycling Destination for Offaly and the wider Blueway and Greenway Networks while also promoting ideas of Play and Activity for all.
A leading advocate for Derryounce A/Director of Services, Andrew Murray said “This brilliant, free amenity simply wouldn’t exist without the lead of the PCDA and in particular the work of volunteers, energetically lead by Colm Powell, Donie Molloy, Mary Keogh and the PCDA team.
This 10-year plan is a culmination of a comprehensive public consultation process involving the community, local businesses, various sections of Offaly County Council, the Portarlington Community Development Association, Laois County Council, Bord na Mona, Coillte, ESB and local users.
Finally, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Eddie Fitzpatrick in advance of launching the plan commended Portarlington Community Development Association who have been the champion for the recreational development of Derryounce over the past number of years, their efforts have been instrumental in establishing Derryounce as a major leisure and recreational asset in the east of Offaly. Cllr Fitzpatrick acknowledged the work of the Steering Committee for their invaluable co-operation and input, the consultants led by SLR Consulting Ltd, for providing the blueprint which will guide the development of Derryounce in the coming years and the Regeneration team led by Olwen Cummins, Acting Town Regeneration Officer, for their continuing success at securing funding.”
Download the 10 year Derryounce Plan
Front Row L-R: Offaly County Council’s Andrew Murray, A/Director of Services, Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Eddie Fitzpatrick, Olwen Cummins, A/Town Regeneration Officer, Ian O’Brien, Executive Planner.
Back Row L-R: Mick Cullen, Local User. Colm Powell, PCDA, Lisa Kealey, Bord na Mona, Cllr. Aidan Mullins, Laois County Council & PCDA, Mary Keogh, PCDA, Elaine Moore, Laois County Council, Jesper Peterson, Coillte, Paul Jordan, Coillte.
Front Row L-R: Andrew Murray, A/Director of Services, Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive,
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Eddie Fitzpatrick and Ann Dillon, Director of Services
Back Row L-R: Cllr. Robert McDermott, Cllr. Noel Cribbin, Cllr. Mark Hackett