Vision For Potato Market, Carlow
Carlow Town, strategically located in the south-east region with strong links to the midlands and greater Dublin area, stands as a prime location for companies seeking growth and prosperity. As a regional centre for third-level education, public services, healthcare, shopping, arts, culture and leisure, Carlow Town is a very attractive location for companies seeking to invest in Ireland or expand their existing presence in the country. The town is already home to leaders in technology, innovation, engineering, pharmaceuticals, internationally traded services, with MSD and UNUM serving as prime examples.
Michael Raney, Interim Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, says Carlow Town is a very attractive location for investment. “It has many of the key economic enablers that businesses are looking for, such as skills and infrastructure. And now, with the recent establishment of the South-East Technological University, it is proud to call itself a University Town.”
Project Carlow 2040
In 2020, Carlow County Council spearheaded the development of an innovative and ambitious Regeneration Strategy for the town, titled ‘Project Carlow 2040: A Vision for Regeneration’. Project Carlow 2040 seeks to reinforce the critical role of the town centre as the heart of Carlow Town, providing attractive and accessible public spaces with new pedestrian linkages.
By cultivating a thriving, vibrant, and sustainable town centre, Carlow Town seeks to entice not only shoppers, but also tourists drawn to its unique architectural, cultural, and heritage attributes. This vision supports increased town centre living and increased building occupancy, which will, in turn, improve the wellbeing of the local economy and community life.
Michael continues by saying, “Project Carlow 2040 really captures the future potential of the town. This strategy was key to the success of an Urban Regeneration Development Fund application in 2021 which will see a total investment of €23 million in the Town Centre public realm in the near future.”
Four strands of development
The URDF funding will be channelled into four key strands of development over the coming years, each contributing to the town’s revitalisation.
The first strand of development focuses on the Barrack Street Connection Project. This crucial project aims to improve pedestrian accessibility, link key areas and support retailers in the town centre. The project will establish a direct route from Barrack Street to Potato Market, providing safer walking and cycling environments, while supporting the town centre’s commercial activities.
Michael states, “The key is connecting the old with the new. The achievement of a new connection between these destinations through the reallocation of road space will deliver a safer, healthier, and more attractive environment for walkers and cyclists.”
The second strand emphasises the transformation of Potato Market. This ambitious project seeks to refocus and overhaul this vital urban location, breathing new life into the space and surrounding businesses. The visual appearance and uplift of the main business area will be measurable.
Michael says, “A reimagined and redesigned Potato Market will be a ‘game changer’ for Carlow Town, both visually and economically.”
Renewing and improving streets is a constant feature of urban development, and the third strand focuses on Barrack Street, Tullow Street, and Kennedy Avenue. The proposal aims to create a more ‘walkable’ town centre, promoting pedestrian-friendly environments along Barrack Street, the Shamrock Square area, and linking into both Tullow Street and Kennedy Avenue.
The fourth and final strand of development focuses on the Carlow Train Station Link. This aspect capitalises on Carlow Town’s natural environment and the unique asset of Carlow College. Through well-designed upgrades, the train station will be linked to the town centre, creating a direct and visually appealing route that showcases the town’s beauty and historical significance.
According to Michael, “The Carlow College campus is the centrepiece of the Cultural Quarter in Carlow Town, consisting of a beautiful 18th-century campus positioned just off the main shopping district. Improved permeability through this campus will be a major enhancement of the Carlow Town public realm and its connection to public transport.”
The vision for Carlow Town
The proposed developments aim to optimise underutilised spaces and connections, while seamlessly integrating Carlow’s social, educational, cultural, and historic assets.
Project Carlow 2040 envisions a thriving and innovative town that embraces the future, while preserving its rich heritage.
Commenting on the overall vision for the Town, Michael states, “The enhancement of the unique attributes and attractions of Carlow Town, combined with the development of key opportunity sites, will support local business, facilitate tourism and encourage more people to live within the Town Centre. The new Advanced Technology Building developed by the IDA, and a series of other proposed projects in enterprise development, recreation, and amenity over the coming years, means its an exciting time to live, work, visit and invest in Carlow Town and County.”
As Interim Chief Executive of Carlow County Council, Michael Rainey shares his enthusiasm, “Carlow County Council is proud to be part of this transformative journey.”
For further information, visit projectcarlow2040.com
Project Carlow 2040
