For the past 6 months Mountrath Town Team have been working with Joseph Mackey Architects to develop proposals which will specifically examine how the Whitehorse River can contribute to the regeneration of Mountrath Town Centre.
The Mountrath Town Team are excited to announce that these proposals will be put on public display from 26th November to 29th November 2024 in Bloom HQ, Mountrath, Co Laois 9am to5pm. To mark the occasion a reception will be held in Bloom HQ, Monday 25th November at 6pm.
The proposals on display are based on consultations with community stakeholders and will highlight the concepts by Joseph Mackey Architects to regenerate Mountrath. The proposals are in line with the Government’s Town Centre First Policy and will support the Town Team in their efforts to revitalise the town centre.
This project was funded by the Irish Architect Foundation as part of their Re-Imagine Programme.
The Exhibition will display plans and proposals in respect of 4 innovative projects designed to animate the town:
- Installation of railings on Patrick St Bridge wall to expand eye-line of river.
- Covered walkway arch over lane from Main Street to Whitehorse River.
- Pitched roof over Town Square in footprint of old Market Building linking the town community space to the river.
- Suggested development of a nature reserve wetland/amenity in town park land
‘’This project has provided an opportunity for the Mountrath Town Team to engage with an architect and create a connection between the town and one of its most important amenities, the Whitehorse River’’ says Mark Sheeran, Chairperson of Mountrath Town Team. Through consultation and collaboration with the local community, the project has engaged the public imagination.
‘’The site of the river was used as an opportunity to explore and remember important cultural histories and social practices and to see how the town could reconnect artistically, with the river’’, explains Joseph Mackey, Architect, MRIAI.
‘’The Exhibition at Bloom HQ is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to view the research and recommendations envisaged for Mountrath Town Centre’’says Denise Rainey, Town Regeneration Officer, Laois County Council.
The exhibition will open from 26th to 29th November – 9am –to 5pm. Smaller scale drawings will be available to view in Mountrath Public Library.
Image of a gathering of some of Mountrath Town Team members. Pictured (L to R), Liam O'Neil, Father Joseph Brophy, Chair, Mark Sheeran, Cllr Jams Kelly, Martin Meade, Mark Robertson, Francis Byrne, Rory O'Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer, Laois County Council, Denise Rainey, Town Regeneration Officer, Laois County Council.
Image of Mountrath Square (1900-1920). Eason Photographic Collection_NLI Ref: Eas 2749
Image of Birds eye view of Mountrath opportunities. Credit Joseph Mackey Architects.
For more Information:
Joseph Mackey, Joseph Mackey Architects T. 085 8543246 E. info@josephmackey.ie
Denise Rainey, Town First Regeneration Officer, Laois County Council T. 057 866 4103, E. drainey@laoiscoco.ie / Lesley Cowper, Laois County Council, T. 057 866 4256 E. lcowper@laoiscoco.ie
@laoiscountycouncil @IrishArchitect Foundation @LaoisPartnership
Notes to Editors:
The findings of Reimagine Mountrath project can also be viewed in Mountrath Library, Shannon Road, Mountrath as well as in St Fintan’s Church, Patrick St, Dysartbeag, Mountrath. Co. Laois.
Mountrath has a rich history dating back to the early 17th when it was founded by the Coote family. The location on the Whitehorse River allowed the town to become an industrial hub with extensive linen and cotton weaving traditions. The project endeavours to reimagine this historical location with a modern-day interpretation.
About Hometown Architect Project:
Reimagine Mountrath is one of three projects selected for Hometown Architect 2024 by the Irish Architecture Foundation. The project proposal met the Hometown Architect brief by focusing on an issue of particular concern and an opportunity for innovation for town centre regeneration in line with the Government of Ireland’s Town Centre First Policy. Accordingly, the Hometown Architect Joseph Mackey Architects were funded by the foundation to undertake research and provide concept proposals. The team for the Mountrath Hometown Architect project who collaborated on the project includes Joseph Mackey (Joseph Mackey Architects), Denise Rainey (Town Regeneration Officer, Laois County Council), Mountrath Town Team, comprising representatives from all the local community groups in Mountrath.
ENDS