New Ross gets its Town Centre First plan

By Dan Walsh

The first ever Town Centre First Plans for 26 towns across every county was launched in Adare, Co. Limerick, recently and New Ross was the designated pathfinder town for County Wexford and along with the other pathfinder Towns was officially launched at the event.

The Plans which were developed in consultation with local communities represent the vision of local people for their area and contain proposals for a diverse range of projects such as redeveloping derelict sites, creating community parks and walkways, boosting SME and tourism potential, and protecting historical landmarks.

Cllr Anthony Connick, Cathaoirleach New Ross Municipal District Council and Chair of the New Ross Town Centre First team represented New Ross at the launch along with fellow Town Team member Sean Connick and they were joined by Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eamonn Hore, Director of Services with responsibility for Town Centre First, Liz Hore and Town Regeneration Officer Mick Mc Cormack.

Cllr Connick used the launch opportunity to thank the community, businesses and people of New Ross for their input into the Plan and to his fellow councillors and the New Ross Town Centre First team. He also pointed out that this strategic document can be used by business and community groups to strengthen their applications for funding supports and will also be used by Wexford County Council in applying for future funding and was proud to be associated with this urban regeneration plan.

Deputy Chief Executive of Wexford County Council Eamonn Hore was very happy with the plan in place for New Ross and took the opportunity to thank staff, consultants and the people of New Ross for feeding into the Town Centre First process which culminated in a very strong urban regeneration plan.

Cllr Connick is encouraging people to view the plan online and get involved in local community/ development groups and make some of the objectives and projects identified through the plan a reality. “The objective is to make New Ross a more attractive place to work, visit, live and do business and this plan strengthens our hand in achieving this goal,” concluded Cllr Connick.

This Plan was launched locally in December of last year and is available to view on the Wexford County Council website or physical copies can be viewed in the Tholsel or New Ross Library.