Carlow seeks feedback on 20 million euro upgrades

A 20 million euro redevelopment of Carlow town centre has been unveiled, which planners say is designed to support businesses and modern living.

Among the changes are a glass-and-timber covered amenity with seating and free wi-fi, a renewed outdoor market, as well as cycle- and pedestrian-friendly routes.

The Your Carlow proposals have been designed with modern urban public realm living and supporting business in mind.

Members of the public are also being asked to have provide feedback on the scheme to rejuvenate the town centre.

Under the proposed plans, locals will take time to mix and meet at a reimagined Potato Market, which will incorporate a covered amenity and recreation space facing the Liberty Tree and Fountain.

The proposed new timber and glass covered amenity space will feature a series of smaller and medium scale spaces, with fixed seating, tables and free wi-fi.

The new tree-lined streetscape will also contain cafe-style public spaces outside restaurants and bars.

A renewed outdoor market and amenity space has also been proposed along with a “shared surface” in front of the library.

Shamrock Plaza will feature extended cafe-style public spaces for retailers, with seating zones outside restaurant and bars.

The public spaces will be enhanced by new street lighting, street furniture and attractive raised planters.

Carlow chief executive Coilin O’Reilly said: “These improvements will reflect the present and future needs of the local community and enterprises with quality furniture, sustainable infrastructure and interconnected spaces to facilitate a living and growing town centre.”

The proposals have been shown to local representatives and Carlow County Council is now entering a three-week period of consultation to give Carlovians the chance to shape the town’s future at yourcarlow.ie, when the scheme launches on Monday.